Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld’s has admitted that the club needs to undergo a major overhaul if it is to regain its place among Europe’s elite.
After Saturday’s 3-1 defeat by Werder Bremen which Bayern surrender the domestic championship, Hitzfeld confirmed that it would be a busy close-season at the club.
“We need some fresh blood to improve,” confessed Hitzfeld.
“Otherwise it will be difficult to fulfill the expectations.
“I need players who are strong, leaders who can get the team going,” Hitzfeld said Monday.
Portuguese international Deco of Porto and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Torsten Frings are confirmed targets, although the former has also been linked with a switch to Chelsea should Porto coach Jose Mourinho replace Claudi Ranieri in the summer.
There have also been queston marks overthe future of Michael Ballack with the Suddeutsche Zeitung claiming Barcelona have already lodged a €12m bid for the German international.
Iranian international striker Vahid Hashemian of Bochum is the only definite new signing so far, but Bayern are ralso reported to be keen on recruiting Bayer Leverkusen’s Brazilian defender Lucio.