Barcelona v Real Madrid(1-2): How the players rated in El Clasico -Apr 3, 2016

Barcelona's 39-match unbeaten run ended as they were beaten 2-1 at home by 10-man Real Madrid at the Nou Camp.

Gerard Pique headed the hosts in front but Real quickly equalised through Karim Benzema's spectacular volley.

Cristiano Ronaldo netted the winner only two minutes after the visitors had defender Sergio Ramos sent off for two bookable offences.

But which players impressed and who disappointed? These are the player ratings for both sides.

Barcelona

Claudio Bravo (goalkeeper) - 6

Had little chance with either of Real's goals, and punched out a drive from Cristiano Ronaldo in the first half. Solid enough when dealing with crosses and blameless in defeat.

Dani Alves (right back) - 6

Mindful of the threat posed by Ronaldo down his flank, the Brazilian was more restrained than usual in coming forward, and Barca perhaps suffered from his reduced service to Lionel Messi. Fired a long-range blaster over the bar.

Gerard Pique (centre back) - 7

Scored Barca's goal with a good header from a corner and generally defended well, making one excellent block to deny Benzema. Will have been frustrated to see Toni Kroos' deflected cross skim over his head and drop for Benzema to equalise.

Javier Mascherano (centre back) - 6

A typical battling display from the Argentine, who was rightly shown a yellow card for a crude challenge on Gareth Bale. Generally contained Benzema but looked occasionally vulnerable against Ronaldo and Bale's inside bursts.

Jordi Alba (left back) - 5

A match-up of two speedsters with Bale and he came off second best. Offered little coming forward and was fortunate to see Bale have a header disallowed for a supposed push after being beaten in the air. Also beaten by Bale's cross for the winner.

Ivan Rakitic (midfield) - 7

Forced a good save from Keylor Navas with a left-footed shot in the first half, and delivered the corner for Pique's goal. A classy performance and the team deteriorated when he was replaced by Arda Turan.

Sergio Busquets (midfield) - 6

An unflappably calm presence in the centre of midfield when Barca were on top, with his precise and unfussy passing keeping his team's rhythm. But found himself overrun in the latter stages as Madrid grew in strength.

Andres Iniesta (midfield) - 6

Some typically wispy runs from the dribbling wizard, who also had a powerful shot blocked by Ramos in the first half. But he was rarely able to penetrate the visiting defence and declined in influence as the game went on.

Lionel Messi (right wing) - 7

Played a little deeper and more centrally than usual but, as always, the Argentine was at the heart of his team's attacking efforts. Came close with two free-kicks, had a penalty appeal waved away and forced a good save with a deftly clipped shot.

Luis Suarez (centre forward) - 5

A night to forget for the Uruguayan, who missed an absolute sitter in the early stages, was shown a yellow card for throwing his arm in Pepe's face and struggled to get much change out of Pepe and Ramos.

Neymar (left wing) - 6

Made a very strong start, setting up early chances for Suarez and Iniesta, also curling a tough chance well over the bar. But he faded badly after the break and was regularly caught in possession in a weak second half showing.

Substitutes

Arda Turan (for Rakitic) - 5

Introduced for Rakitic but made little impact, with Barca losing control of the contest after he appeared. Had a late half-chance to level but saw his shot blocked.

Real Madrid

Keylor Navas (goalkeeper) - 7

The Costa Rica international has been outstanding this season after his club's botched attempt to sign David de Gea in the summer, and he delivered again here with two outstanding diving saves to deny Rakitic and Messi.

Dani Carvajal (right back) - 6

Was booked early for a lunge on Iniesta and initially struggled badly against Neymar. But he responded well to finish the game strongly, playing a role in the winner by feeding Bale.

Sergio Ramos (centre back) - 7

Sent off in the latter stages after being booked for dissent and a foul on Suarez, but still played a full part with a committed and physically fearless performance. Made one great last-ditch challenge on Messi, prompting calls for a penalty that were rightly turned down.

Pepe (centre back) - 7

The Portuguese powerhouse largely performed with resilience and determination to frustrate Suarez, but he was lucky to get away with a poor hashed clearance in the first half which resulted in Rakitic forcing a good save from Navas.

Marcelo (left back) - 6

Was overworked in defence initially but slowly became more of an attacking force as the game went on, acting as the catalyst for the equaliser with a driving run to find Kroos. Appears to be blessed with never-ending supplies of energy.

Luka Modric (midfield) - 6

Maybe lucky to escape an early booking for a foul on Busquets as his frustration at Barca's dominance became evident. But he never stopped working for his team and performed tidily in the second half.

Casemiro (midfield) - 6

Looked like a rabbit in the headlights during the early stages, when his technical deficiencies were laid bare as a number of passes went astray. But he is in the team for his defensive abilities and he played a key role in that respect, protecting his back four well.

Toni Kroos (midfield) - 7

Like Modric, he looked overwhelmed in the opening stages and couldn't get near the ball. But, reflecting his team's overall performance, he gradually gained strength and delivered the cross for Benzema's equaliser.

Gareth Bale (right wing) - 8

Man-of-the-match performance from the Welshman, who was his team's most dangerous player all night, regularly troubling Barca with his powerful running. Unlucky to see a header disallowed for a supposed push and picked out Ronaldo with a deep cross for the winner. Maybe his best game for the club.

Karim Benzema (centre forward) - 6

Couldn't get involved at all in the first half, barely touching the ball before slicing a glorious chance over the top. Continued to contribute little but rescued another otherwise poor performance with an excellent finish for the equaliser. Substituted soon after.

Cristiano Ronaldo (left wing) - 6

Virtually nothing went right for the Portuguese star, whose frequent attempts to run at the home team defence generally led him down cul-de-sacs. But his frustrating night took a drastic turn for the better when he pounced for the winner, crisply finishing Bale's cross.

Substitutes

Jese Rodriguez (for Benzema) - 6

Came on at a perfect time as Barca were starting to tire, and took full advantage with his fast and direct running contributing to his team's late dominance.

Lucas Vazquez (for Bale)

A late time-wasting sub, with no chance to make an impact.

Gareth Bale stars in video teaser for Real Madrid kit launch... which hints at new pink shirt for Galacticos

• Bale is the only Real Madrid player to feature in the short video
• The Welshman hits a free kick which shatters the framework into pink pieces
• Bale has pulled out of the Wales squad to face the Netherlands next Wednesday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWGKPa9q1ro

Cristiano Ronaldo salary and net worth: Real Madrid star ‘has no idea’ how much money he has

Cristiano Ronaldo is so wealthy that he finds it difficult to keep up with how much money he has.

The Real Madrid player was named as the world’s most marketable footballer last week, beating Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique. He is also the world’s highest paid footballer, taking home an estimated €21million (£17million) every year.

“I don’t know how much money I have,” he said. “It’s not the money that moves me.

“It’s true that at first it did, when I had nothing.”

The Portuguese sportsman grew up in Funchal, Madeira and says that his family’s financial situation was difficult when he was a child.

“Then I wanted to have money for me and my family because I was raised with nothing, we were very poor. I had no toys or presents at Christmas,” he said.

“I shared the room with my brother and two sisters, and my parents slept in the other room.

“It was a small space, but I don’t feel sorry for myself. Now that things are OK, money’s no longer fundamental.”

He went onto state that his new ambition is to “win the largest number of trophies, both individual and collective”. The sportsman – who recently appeared nude with girlfriend Irina Shayk on the cover of Vogue – says that it is his strength of mind that has enabled his success.

Ronaldo is known for his theatrics on the pitch – last weekend he scored Real Madrid’s fourth and final goal in the club's Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid and celebrated by ripping off his shirt, flexing his muscles and roaring.

“Only those who deal with me and play with me really know me,” he told The Sun.

“If I weren’t so strong psychologically, I wouldn’t have been able to play in the clubs I did. I have no doubt about that.”

He admits that, regardless of his impressive character, defeat isn’t something that he handles deftly.

“I don’t like losing and when it happens I cuss for three or four minutes, but it’s over in no time. All it takes is a hug from my mates.”

Latest Softwares and Games Only for android phones --facebook.com/myandroide

Latest Softwares and Games Only for android phones

You will also get Paid Softwares and Games for free

only on---facebook.com/myandroide

If u like it , Please Like the Page

Paste your document

Phones

• iOS ,
• Android

How to unfreeze a frozen phone

Nick Mediati @dtnick

• Oct 3, 2013 3:30 AM
• print

You may not think of your smartphone as a computer, but it’s just as much of one as a laptop or desktop. With it come some very typical computer problems—crashes and freezes. A lot of the time, the fixes to these sorts of issues, while simple, aren’t immediately obvious. The next time your iOS or Android phone crashes or freezes, try these tips.

Dealing with a stuck iPhone

Force-close a frozen app: If one app in particular is causing you problems, try force-closing it. To do this on iOS 7, double-tap the Home button to bring up the app switcher, which Apple calls the multitask bar. Next, scroll left or right unti you can see the frozen app, and swipe up on the screenshot of the app to “fling” it off your screen. If you’re using iOS 6, tap the Home button to get to the home screen, then double-tap the Home button to bring up the app switcher. Next, hold your finger down on an app icon for a couple seconds until the icons start wiggling, then tap the red minus (-) button for the app you want to close.

Restart your phone: If your iPhone is acting wonky in general, or you can’t even open the app switcher to kill a frozen app, try restarting it. Hold down the Sleep button on the top of your phone until the red “slide to power off” slider appears. Slide your finger from left to right as instructed, and your phone will power down. To turn your phone back on, hold the Sleep button for a few seconds until you see the Apple logo on your screen. It will take a minute before your phone finishes booting up and is ready to use.

Hold your iPhone’s Sleep button for a few seconds, then slide your finger across the red bar to turn your phone off.

Force-restart your phone: If your phone isn’t responding to your taps or button presses, you may need to force it to restart. Hold down the Sleep button and the Home button for a few seconds until the Apple logo appears, and your phone will restart. After a few moments, it will take you to the lock screen and be up and running as usual.

Hold down the Sleep button and the Home button to unceremoniously force your phone to restart.

Reset to factory defaults: If you have a nagging issue with your phone that won’t go away readily—or if you want a fresh start—you can try reverting your iPhone to factory default settings. To do so, go to the Settings app, then go to General > Reset and select Reset All Settings. This option will reset your phone’s settings, but it will preserve any data you have on your phone. If you want to clear off your phone completely and start fresh, select Erase All Content and Settings for that new-out-of-the-box experience.

here

Will defeat at Everton derail Chelsea’s title bid?

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho did not believe that his team deserved to lose at Everton

Chelsea lost 1-0 at Everton’s Goodison Park yesterday, despite the Blues dominating possession and having 22 efforts on goal.

The visitors looked like the better side and blew a number of chances to find the target, much to the annoyance of boss Jose Mourinho.

Deserved

Chelsea may have had more of the game, but Everton deserved to win the game just for their spirit.

The Toffees produced a typical robust display and took their chance when it arrived. The Merseysider’s defended valiantly and kept out Chelsea’s very costly attack.

Confused

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho seemed to be unable to understand how his side lost the game. The Portuguese boss told Sky Sports: “I don’t know if I have to say we didn’t deserve to lose, or if I should say we deserved to lose.

“We didn’t deserve it (to lose) because we were the best team, because we play the best football, because we dominate the whole game, because we had 21 shots, because we risk everything we could…

“In that sense it is fair to say we deserved to win the game”

“But the other way, a team that has 21 shots, some of them easy shots and easy situations to score and we don’t score and we have a mistake in the last minute of the first half…

“Maybe with that I should say we deserve to lose.”

Underperformed

The Chelsea players underperformed at Goodison Park. Germany international Andre Schurrle missed some gilt-edged chances and did look good enough, while debutant Samuel Eto’o also missed some good chances.

The former-Barcelona star looked very rusty on his first Chelsea appearance and will have to improve his performances to stay in the team. Brazilian centre-back David Luiz looked unable to stay in position and will be exposed against more in-form strikers.

Even last season’s star performer Juan Mata had a quiet game and was substituted. The Spaniard is not yet up to pace with the Premier League and Jose Mourinho obviously does not seem to appreciate his ability.

Quality

Chelsea have had a slow start to the season in terms of performances, but their quality will shine through in the end. Chelsea have too much quality within their squad to carry on underperforming and Everton is a tough place to visit for opposition teams, even for such expensively assembled teams.

Ideas

Jose Mourinho is still trying to re-instil his ideas into his players. There is no doubt that the Portuguese boss needs time to get it right again at Stamford Bridge. This is not his team and certain players do not seem to fit in with the former-Real boss’ football ideas.

Juan Mata is a great player, but it seems that Mourinho does not see him as his sort of player. He may feel that the playmaker slows the game down at times and wants Chelsea to play at a higher tempo.

The signing of Willian seems to point to the fact Mourinho wants more pace within his team. Chelsea already had a stockpile of players capable of playing in the attacking midfield roles, yet Mourinho went out and brought in another one.

Stockpiled

This sounds like a strange thing to say, but Chelsea may just have too many players, especially in the attacking midfielder area. That means a constant rotation of the three attacking midfielders behind the lone striker.

The attacking midfielders will then not be able to build up any form, because they will never get a decent run of form in the team. Mata needs games to build up fitness and to hit top form. It seems that Mata could be the player that is left out of the team most out of the attacking midfielders.

Open

The race for the Premier League title is really open this season, but even after this defeat Chelsea remain one of the favourites, because of Mourinho’s presence in the Chelsea dugout and quality within the squad.

I have no doubts that results will improve under the Portuguese. This was probably a blip, but performances will have to improve if Chelsea are going to be successful this season.

Is the defeat at Everton just a blip for Chelsea?

Gareth Bale will be a success at Real Madrid

On Saturday night Gareth Bale made his debut for Real Madrid in Los Blancos’ 2-2 draw at Villarreal’s El Madrigal.

As we all know, Bale made a world-record £85million switch from Tottenham towards to Los Blancos at the end of the last transfer window.

The Welshman scored a goal for his new side and played just over an hour as Carlo Ancelotti’s new look team drew with the Yellow Submarine.

Match-fit

Gareth Bale is definitely not match-fit, hence the short amount of time on the pitch against Villarreal.

The Welsh international had not played for Spurs this season, because of an injury niggle, his determination to leave for Real Madrid did not help his chances of selection either.

Bale is usually a very fit player, who can run all day and gives everything for the team. However, when he is not fully-fit he cannot have the same influence on the game. He will not start having a full influence on game till he reaches full match fitness again. Then maybe we will see the best of Bale in a Real shirt.

Good attitude

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was happy with Bale’s performance. The Italian told a press conference: “I think he’s happy to score his first goal for Real Madrid,”

“He played in a difficult match and he played well, showing his good attitude. It was a hard match for everyone.”

Settle

Like any player joining a new club the 24-year-old is going to need time to settle in. He also has to learn the language, get accustomed to the different culture and learn how to act at the goliath that is Real Madrid.

Real Madrid is one of the biggest, if not the biggest club in the world and he will have even more spotlight on him in Madrid then he did when was in London. Bale would have had a lot attention on him anyway in Madrid, but the world-record fee paid for him will add to the glare of the press and fans.

Pressure

Gareth Bale is under-pressure to perform every game, but so is every other footballer that pulls on a white shirt, it comes with the territory of playing for Real Madrid.

The former-Southampton star seems to have handled it pretty well so far, apart from a few nervous moments when he was presented to the press. On the pitch he will just play his normal game and that is all he can do.

Space

Gareth Bale was outstanding in the Premier League last season, where teams tried to deny him space and close him down quickly. In Spain he is likely to get more space to play, except against the teams that play the high-pressure game.

Like Cristiano Ronaldo, he could increase his goal ratio in Spain because of the amount of room he will have to operate. As Premier League defences found out last season it really does not pay to allow Gareth Bale any room to get his shots away.

Gel

As well as time to settle into a new lifestyle Bale will need time to gel with his new teammates. His relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo could be a key to the team succeeding. During the Villarreal game they switched wings and Ancelotti said that was normal.

Both players have the ability to play on either wing and both like to cut inside to create more space for themselves. The rumours about Ronaldo leaving Los Blancos have recently been quashed with the Portuguese star signing a new contract.

Real Madrid now have probably the best two wingers in world football, although both can play in different positions that is where they are likely to play at Real. It is a frightening thought for any opposition team, Gareth Bale on one wing and Cristiano Ronaldo on the other.

It will be interesting to see what Ronaldo’s attitude is like towards Bale. The Welshman has overtaken him as the world’s most expensive player, despite Real’s claims he has not. However Bale has stated that he believes that Ronaldo is still top dog at Bernabeu, which will help the former-United players’ ego.

World-class

Gareth Bale will become a truly world-class player at Real Madrid and become a crucial part of their team. Playing and training alongside the likes of Ronaldo will only make him a better player and improve his game.

I have no doubts that Gareth Bale will be a major success in Madrid. The only shame is that the Premier League has lost such an entertaining player this summer. The Premier League’s loss is definitely La Liga’s gain.

Ronaldo rules out return to Manchester United Portuguese forward wants to end career at Real Madrid Published: 16/09/2013

RISTIANO Ronaldo ruled out a return to Manchester United on by indicating a desire to finish his career at Real Madrid.

The Portuguese forward signed a new deal that ties him to the club until 2018.

The 28-year-old, whose previous deal had been due to run out in 2015, expressed delight at agreeing terms after speculation in the summer he could be tempted back to United.

But the possibility of a sensational return to Old Trafford, where he is still appreciated four years after his departure, seems remote after Ronaldo stressed the Spanish capital is where he wants to stay.

“I’m really happy here,” he said. “I’ll be here five more years. I just want to win trophies for this club.

“I appreciate the fans like me a lot to be here. I’m happy, I want to give my best on the pitch.

“I will be honest with you - everyone knows I was in Manchester for six years. Manchester is in the past.

“Now my club is Real Madrid. This is my home, my family is here and I’m really happy here.

“I respect all the clubs who ask about me. But they always know that my decision, that my only goal is to be here and to play at this club until, maybe, the end of my career.

“The future, nobody knows.”

Ronaldo’s future was called into question following Madrid’s protracted pursuit of fellow winger Gareth Bale from Tottenham in the summer.

They finally landed their man at the end of the transfer window, for a world-record 100million euros (£85.3m), which meant Ronaldo was no longer the most expensive player in the world.

The pair played in the same Madrid team for the first time in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Villarreal, when both players were on target.

Madrid did not release the financial details of Ronaldo’s new contract but reports have suggested it will make him the highest-paid player in the world, eclipsing the package Bale put pen to paper on earlier this month.

“In life there are things more important than money,” Ronaldo said when asked if his deal was now the most lucrative in world football.

“It is important, I am not going to lie, but the project is to win things.

“I feel integrated into this project. The issue is not whether I’m the best paid in the world, the second or the third.”

Ronaldo, whose image was emblazoned across the Bernabeu’s VIP Box which staged Sunday’s press conference, added: “For me it is a very important day.

“I want to thank my team-mates, the coach and, above all, the president. With this agreement I am very happy and privileged to continue in this house.

“It has given me many things. For me today is as if it were the first day.

“I will always give the best for this shirt. Hopefully be here until the end of my career. This club is very big.”

Munich v Dortmund: Manager comparison

We compare Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes and Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp ahead of the Champions League final.

Jupp Heynckes: Will leave Bayern at the end of the season

• Related Content

• Football Transfer Centre
• The latest football news
• Follow us on Twitter

Few doubt Wembley will be playing host to the best two teams in Europe when Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund lead a German invasion of the capital.

On the evidence of what has gone before it promises to be a thrilling occasion, with both sides committed to an attacking approach that even eclipses Barcelona.

Yet who are the men responsible for implementing such excitement? Here, Press Association Sport analyses the two men in charge.

JUPP HEYNCKES

BORN: May 9, 1945 in Monchengladbach.

AGE: 68.

PLAYING CAREER: Borussia Monchengladbach (2), Hannover. West Germany (39 caps, 14 goals).

COACHING CAREER: Borussia Monchengladbach (2), Bayern Munich (3), Athletic Bilbao (2), Eintracht Frankfurt, Tenerife, Real Madrid, Benfica, Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen.

HONOURS: Bayern Munich. Bundesliga: 1988-89, 1989-90, 2012-13. DFL-Supercup: 1987, 1990, 2012. Real Madrid. Supercopa: 1997. UEFA Champions League: 1997-98. Schalke. Intertoto Cup: 2003, 2004.

BACKGROUND: The third highest goalscorer in Bundesliga history, Heynckes is in his third spell at Bayern, winning back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990 before being sacked in 1991, a decision general manager Uli Hoeness has always regretted. Heynckes also won the Champions League with Real Madrid during a career that alternated between Germany and Spain, finally returning to Bayern in 2011. He is due to retire at the end of the season, when he will be replaced by Pep Guardiola.

TACTICS: Heynckes began by making Bayern far more solid defensively than they had been under former coach Louis van Gaal. He cut down the space between different components of the team and stopped defence being exposed in one-on-one situations. Further up the field, he has allowed attacking players to become more fluid, while also adopting a Barcelona-style pressing approach to put their opponents under pressure.

SQUAD: Has integrated youngsters Toni Kroos and David Alaba into his squad while at the same time being mindful to keep everyone happy with a rotation policy that is not used purely because of injury. Got Franck Ribery to enjoy his football again and has put Bastian Schweinsteiger into his preferred central midfield position.

TRANSFERS: Raised an eyebrow when he championed the £15million purchase of Jerome Boateng, who had not impressed at Manchester City. Last summer added Javi Martinez - shattering the German transfer record by paying Athletic Bilbao £37million for the 24-year-old - who can play in defence but is mainly used in midfield.

QUIRKY FACT: Nicknamed Osram due to his face going red when he is under stress.

JURGEN KLOPP

BORN: June, 16 1967. Stuttgart.

AGE: 45.

PLAYING CAREER: Mainz.

COACHING CAREER: Mainz, Borussia Dortmund.

BACKGROUND: After an unremarkable playing career, Klopp immediately stepped into the role of manager and guided Mainz into the Bundesliga for the first time in their history. Also secured European football but was then relegated and resigned in 2008. He then took over at Borussia Dortmund, winning the title in 2011 and 2012. In the latter season he claimed a number of records, including greatest number of points (81), most games unbeaten in one campaign (28) and joint most wins (25). He also secured the club's first domestic double.

TACTICS: Over time, Klopp has turned Dortmund into an expansive, free-flowing outfit, who close down the opposition quickly and attack with pace. Their tactics have been compared to Arsenal, but it is more like Barcelona with a determination to create chances rather than keep the ball at all costs. Klopp is wedded to the Dortmund ideal of entertainment.

SQUAD: Has never been afraid to inject younger players, including Mario Gotze, who was just 17 when he was handed his debut, while accepting massive signings are not possible due to the financial mismanagement of the past. Has improved steadily each year, although the impending loss of Gotze and Robert Lewandowski suggest a reduction in status is imminent.

TRANSFERS: Lacking Bayern's huge wealth, Klopp opted to bring in younger players who could develop. Mats Hummels' arrival from Bayern is an obvious example. Shinji Kagawa was another notable arrival, while Robert Lewandowski cost barely £4million when he was captured from Lech Poznan. Last summer Marco Reus arrived from Borussia Monchengladbach for £16million.

QUIRKY FACT: In 1995 Klopp obtained a Diploma at Goethe University Frankfurt. He wrote his diploma thesis about Walking.

---

I’ll Give Everything For Borussia Dortmund To Beat Bayern Munich – Mario Gotze

Mario Gotze has insisted that he will give his all to help Borussia Dortmund beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final if he wins his fitness battle.

The attacking midfielder has agreed to join Bayern Munich in the summer, with the Bavarians activating his €37M release clause at the Ruhr giants.

Gotze though will have no trouble pulling the trigger against his future club at Wembley however, he insists.

"A victory in the final in my last game for Borussia would be great", he said to German daily Bild.

RELATED NEWS STORIES:

• He’s Better Than Rafael van der Vaart or Wesley Sneijder Were At His Age – Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool Wanted Christian Eriksen Tipped For Top
• Schalke Secure Final Champions League Spot In Bundesliga While Bayern Munich Win Jupp Heynckes’ Last League Game In Charge
• I’m Busy Right Now – Robert Lewandowski Brushes Off Bayern Munich and Manchester United Speculation
• Borussia Monchengladbach Game No Normal Match – Bayern Munich Coach Jupp Heynckes
• We Know How To Beat Bayern Munich Insists Borussia Dortmund Stalwart Sebastian Kehl

"I will really give everything for Borussia."

Gotze is racing to be fit for the showpiece final, with the midfielder currently suffering from a muscle injury.

He is aiming to begin training once again on Monday.

THE HEYNCKES TOUCH: HOW BAYERN BECAME EUROPE'S BIGGEST FORCE

Adored: Heynckes has the complete respect of the Bayern Munich squad.

RELATED STORIES

VIDEO: Contrasting tales for Dortmund & Bayern on final dayDortmund end Bayern's winning run in UCL rehearsal

SCORE CENTRE

Premier LeagueLa LigaSerie ABundesligaChampions LeagueLive Matches

When asked what has made FC Bayern so special this season in the aftermath of their 4-0 destruction of FC Barcelona, chief-trainer Jupp Heynckes pointed to one specific characteristic of his squad: “Teamwork”.

In a two-year spell, Heynckes has altered the dynamics of the Bayern dressing room. The 68-year-old took office in July 2011 from interim-coach Andries Jonker who had begun the cleaning-up process in the aftermath of a messy ending to the Louis Van Gaal era.

Van Gaal’s reign started well enough, with the former Ajax coach returning the proverbial swagger back to Bayern. His first season garnered a domestic double, while the Bavarians were denied the treble by Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

All wasn’t well in Munich though and cracks soon began to emerge between Van Gaal and his players, with influential captain Philipp Lahm describing him as “unwilling to budge from his philosophy.” The Dutchman’s defiance when it came to the potential signing of Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also irked some within the club.

Meanwhile, results on the pitch began to suffer and the Dutchman was sacked following a 1-1 draw with Nuremburg in April that left Bayern behind Hannover 96 in the race for the third Champions League position.

"Football should be enjoyable, but there has been nothing enjoyable about football at FC Bayern for a while now.” Club president Uli Hoeness said in April 2011. "And to say that he had the players behind him was a myth.”

Referring to the Neuer saga, Hoeness added: "Problems were created which were totally unnecessary and which have ripped the club to pieces. Louis Van Gaal should consider what he has done."

Van Gaal – and his only backer in sporting director Christian Nerlinger who was eventually sacked – made some frustrating moves in the transfer market. The arrivals of Edson Braafheid, Nils Petersen and Danijel Pranjic failed to work and despite being offered funds to invest after their Champions League final loss in 2010, the head coach stood firmly by his additions, and the club’s emerging young talent.

Lost control

Essentially, it was Van Gaal’s inability to control a dressing room packed full of big players and bigger personalities during his second season that proved his ultimate downfall.

And this is crucially where Heynckes has succeeded; bringing together a multi-national squad of immensely talented players that have gone on to earn the tag of ‘best Bayern side of all-time’.

Heynckes won the hearts of his players and re-introduced the squad cohesion lost under Van Gaal. German magazine KICKER led with a front-page feature in January on why the intense competition between attacking quartet Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben was creating stress in the camp.

However, there was never friction in the squad, with all four understanding the value of the team, while still being encouraged to show the individualism that makes Bayern a force.

Naturally, Robben and Gomez have expressed their unhappiness about being on the bench, but this hasn’t detracted from the overall picture in Munich.

Indeed, Robben and fellow attacker Franck Ribery have shown unfamiliar characteristics of playing for the sake of the team.

Their overall contribution this season is telling; Ribery contributes directly to a goal – by either scoring or assisting – every 109 minutes, while Robben does so every 81 minutes. And this is all thanks to the “teamwork” Heynckes has demanded of his players during his time in charge.

Impressive record

Heynckes has battled for self-recognition for some time, despite a CV illustrious enough to rival the very best managers in the game. The diversely-travelled German won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in his first spell at Bayern, before guiding Real Madrid to Champions League glory.

After spells at Benfica and Athletic Bilbao, he returned to his homeland and successfully carried out short-term stabilising missions at Schalke 04 and Bayer Leverkusen. Heynckes’ patience has been an integral asset to Bayern’s success of the last 18 months.

He has bitten his lip on many occasions when defied by the Bayern chiefs above him. The appointment of Pep Guardiola certainly annoyed the 68-year-old who hadn’t planned on retiring from his position, contrary to the official comments from the club.

Yet he hasn’t dug his heels in or looked to actively seek a move to a new club, and he will leave in the summer having turned down other roles within Bayern.

Instead, his remarkable shaping of this side, still on course for a treble – or quadruple if you include the DFL Super Cup – has alerted others of his unconfirmed future.

Perfect present

His 32nd season as a head coach will come to an end in potentially glittering style. He celebrated his 68th birthday on May 9, and the only present he will want is the Champions League trophy.

In the first-ever all-German final, Heynckes will take charge of the penultimate match of his career when his Bayern charges take on rivals Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium on May 25.

From London it’s on to Berlin for the German Cup final and Heynckes’ swansong.

If Bayern prove triumphant at Wembley – and with the Bundesliga title already tucked firmly into their belt –VfB Stuttgart will be the last remaining hurdle to overcome in Bayern's search of the treble.

And success in the domestic cup final will consolidate what has already been a remarkable season for both coach and club.

* Ross Dunbar is the editor of bundesligafootball.co.uk and avid follower of German football. Follow him on Twitter @rossdunbar93.

READ MORE:

- Dortmund's success pinned on an ever-evolving style

- VIDEO: Contrasting tales for Dortmund and Bayern on final day

* For breaking news, follow us on @Sport_360 or find us on Facebook.