Toni on collision course with Van Gaal
Reuters - Thursday 01 October 2009, 09:22
MUNICH - Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni
has put himself on a collision course with coach Louis van Gaal
ahead of his side's Bundesliga match against Cologne on
Saturday.
Toni has played just once for the first team this season -
in a German Cup game - and twice for the reserve side, who
play in the third tier of the German league.
The Italian forward has hinted he would no longer be
willing to play in the reserves and his remarks add to van
Gaal's problems this weekend.
Winger Arjen Robben limped off before half-time in
Wednesday's goalless draw at home to Juventus in the Champions
League while there have also been rumblings of discontent from
forward Mario Gomez, who was dropped for the last two matches.
Toni insisted he had recovered from an Achilles tendon
injury and was widely quoted in German media as saying he would
not play another reserve game.
"He (van Gaal) wants me to keep playing in the third
division," said Italian Toni. "I don't think I will be doing
that again.
"I feel fit and it's a shame I wasn't picked against
Juventus. I would love to have played against my friends from
the national team."
Bayern sit seventh in the Bundesliga and have failed to
score in their last two games - a 1-0 defeat by Hamburg SV
last Saturday and Wednesday's match with Juventus.
Gomez, who became the Bundesliga's most expensive signing
when he moved form VfB Stuttgart in May, will have to seize his
chance if he is picked.
Before being dropped he had complained about being
substituted too often but was given a public reprimand by
general director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who told him to work
harder.
Cologne will be without suspended Portugal midfielder
Maniche, who was banned for three games after being sent off
against Bayer Leverkusen.
Hamburg SV, who lead on goal difference from Leverkusen,
visit bottom club Hertha Berlin on Sunday. Hertha fired
Swiss Lucien Favre after losing six league games in a row and
shipping nine goals in their last two.
Under-23 coach Karsten Heine has taken over on an interim
basis. Leverkusen host Nuremburg on Saturday.
NEWS: Narked Toni edges nearer January exit
NEWS: Toni issues Bayern ultimatum