Thursday, September 2, 2010

Bayern Munich have moved to put a lid on their troubles by fining misbehaving duo Luca Toni and Philipp Lahm.

Italy striker Toni threw a tantrum after being substituted during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Schalke and left the ground to drive home at half-time.

Lahm meanwhile, criticised Bayern bosses over their transfer policy in a newspaper interview.

The club have made a swift move and have handed the pair a “considerable fine” and a dressing down from coach Louis van Gaal and chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge before training today.

“Leaving the stadium early and without permission on Saturday during the Bundesliga game at the Allianz Arena was an unacceptable lack of discipline on the part of Luca Toni,” read a club statement.

“He has therefore been given a considerable fine by the board. “Independent of this, Luca Toni has since apologised to his team-mates and the club for his conduct.

“Philipp Lahm, in his role as vice-captain, has broken the club’s internal rules in a clear and inexcusable manner by publicly attacking the club, the coach and his team-mates in an interview.”

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini insists his team are on the right track despite almost blowing a 3-0 lead in the Madrid derby.

Real looked to be cruising against Atletico with goals from Kaka, Marcelo and Gonzalo Higuain.

But after Sergio Ramos was sent off, Atletico took advantage, hitting back with goals from Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero.

But Real held on, and coach Pellegrini said: “We have to improve because we lack consistency but I have a good feeling about the team.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola warned his side their title defence is only going to get tougher after seeing his side record a comfortable 4-2 win over Real Mallorca.

Guardiola left Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Dani Alves on the bench, but goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pedro, Thierry Henry and substitute Messi sealed victory. And Guardiola said: “It wasn’t all bad. Last year nobody gave us any chance and each step that we made was met by surprise, but this year there is no room for surprises.”