Daily Schmankerl: Kroos credits Jupp for career success; Bale may want Man U; Neuer and Boateng updates; and MORE!

Jupp Heynckes prepared Toni Kroos for greatness (Bundesliga.com)

Jupp Heynckes might not have led Bayern Munich to the Champions League finale this season, but his impact was felt with the performance of Toni Kroos. Kroos, among the top midfielders in the world, credited Heynckes for his development into the superstar stratosphere.

I look at my career in stages. Jupp Heynckes was the most important coach I had in the early stage of my career, both at Leverkusen and then in Munich too. It’s fair to say that it was after he arrived in Munich in 2011 that I started to be able to play at a high level consistently.

Kroos also didn’t discount the impact of Pep Guardiola on his career.

You could say that Heynckes’ arrival was one of the catalysts for my development, but I wouldn’t underestimate that year under Guardiola. I think my career took another step forward in that time. Guardiola saw me as a central player in his system, which fitted my style of play perfectly.

It’s hard to fathom this, but Kroos and Luka Modrić may actually be underrated. Without those two completely bossing the midfield area, Real Madrid couldn’t possibly take as many gambles offensively and attempt as many high risk combinations as they do. I mean, Sergio Ramos can’t arm bar every team’s top player, right?

Anyway, after playing a crucial and stable role in Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool, Kroos will now move on to Die Mannschaft and its defense of the World Cup.

Gareth Bale may want Manchester United, but does Man U want him?(Independent)

Gareth Bale has A LOT of new fans after yesterday and may be looking to capitalize on his new wave of popularity. Linked to Bayern several times, it appears Bale has a keen interest in Manchester United, which is once again dead in the middle of every transfer rumor.

Gareth Bale‘s first choice of club remains Manchester United by some distance, if the Champions League match-winner were to leave Real Madrid this summer – although there is now much more doubt over whether the Premier League side would do a deal.

Bale and Manchester United have flirted before; even as far back as 2012. In March, there were even reports circulating that Bale and Manchester United might be a match. Even so, there are many logistical hurdles that would need to be overcome for Bale to land at Old Trafford.

(Manchester United) feel that a deal for Bale would be too high-priced – both in terms of a fee and wages, given he is said to earn a total of almost £600,000 a week – at too high an age, especially given recent injury problems. Such a move is also much more unlikely after the mid-season signing of Alexis Sanchez. United’s priority is no longer an attacker, especially in a summer where they are set to spend big on other positions, although Bale’s star power could yet prove persuasive for the right deal. Bale is however now said by Madrid sources to greatly want a move to Old Trafford, and has discussed with the figures in the Bernabeu dressing room he is friendly with.

It’s easy to see why Bale wants a move from Madrid and it’s all about time on the pitch.

“I need to be playing week in, week out, and that’s not happened this season,” the forward said. “I had an injury five, six weeks into the season but I’ve been fit ever since,” added Bale. I have to sit down with my agent in the summer and discuss it.” Manager Zinedine Zidane then admitted Bale’s situation is “complicated”, but it could be even more complicated to get the deal he wants.

While some Bayern fans may have initially cringed (and may still!) at the thought of Bale in Munich, his talent is undeniable. As always, it’s just a question of whether or not he can stay fit.

Jerome Boateng and Manuel Neuer are making good progress on their respective roads to recovery (FCBayern.com)

Jerome Boateng and Manuel Neuer are trying desperately to be ready for the World Cup. Boateng is being given the chance, however, to do enough individual training and rehabilitation to get fit without having to rush back.

One player could not work with Joachim Löw’s squad in the morning sun in South Tyrol: Jérôme Boateng. The 29-year-old, who was out of action with a thigh problem recently, continued his individual programme indoors. The Germany coaches did not want to take any risks so that the 2014 world champion will be in best shape for the first World Cup match in Russia. ”It isn’t decisive if he resumes the squad programme a day sooner or later, but that he’ll be available for the World Cup,” declared Löw’s assistant Marcus Sorg at the press conference after the training session.

Neuer, who is back in full squad training, is also making great progress.

Manuel Neuer can take his time too. After recovering from his foot injury the 32-year-old has resumed the full squad programme and is set to get match practice in the dress rehearsals against the Germany U-20s on Monday and Wednesday. Löw and goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke will talk to Neuer to determine for how long he will play, but there is no reason not to play for an extended time, according to Sorg. “Subjectively Manuel Neuer is making a very good impression,” assured the 52-year-old.

Both players obviously hold key positions for Germany’s chances to repeat; but both also have backups that are more than capable of performing on the big stage in Russia.

Oliver Kahn thinks Mo Salah was not the only Liverpool player that Sergio Ramos took a shot at (ZDF via Goal)

Oliver Kahn pulled no punches in describing what he thought was a turning point in the Champions League finale yesterday.

Kahn, though, believes the off-the-ball collision may have played a greater role than is being given credit. ”You can only speculate whether the alleged elbow impacted Karius,” he told ZDF. “But an elbow to the face is certainly not very comfortable and in that situation it was unnecessary by Ramos. There is no need to use the elbow in that situation.”

Kahn may have a point given the video within the tweet from @btsportfootball below. I honestly didn’t see this in real time during the game and only came across it via Twitter afterward.

There’s also a closer Zapruder-style breakdown from @MirrorFootball.

Despite the strong words, Kahn did go on to say that he respects Ramos for his leadership qualities and what he means to Real Madrid.

He is the kind of player that I would have always selected first in school to have him on my team because he is an absolute leader who works with all measures.

Want a chance to brew some Paulaner with Javi Martinez?(@FCBayernUS)

Most of us like Bayern Munich; a lot of us like beer. If you wanted to combine both of those things into an excellent fan experience, Bayern has just the thing for you.

The Allianz Arena’s facelift is underway (AZ)

Bayern’s home grounds are due for an upgrade and it is underway!

What was announced some time ago is now being implemented. The Allianz Arena will be redecorated in FC Bayern style. Painters are currently red-edging the levels between the ranks, as can be seen in photos published by FC Bayern via Twitter. Even all seats in the middle rank will be replaced by new red seats. Only individual seats are to be exchanged on the upper and lower tier, so that the words “FC Bayern Munich” and “Mia san Mia” can be seen from above. In total, 25,000 seats will be replaced. The rebuilding measures are to be completed by the end of July. On time for the beginning of the new Bundesliga season.