Bayer Leverkusen director of sport Rudi Voeller says there is no need to panic after witnessing his side lose their first two competitive fixtures of the season.
Last year’s Bundesliga runners-up were knocked out of the DFB-Pokal by Dynamo Dresden a week ago before losing their league opener at Mainz 2-0 on Sunday.
However, Voeller believes it is just a matter of time before the right results start to arrive.
“Of course, we have a new trainer who has different ideas about how we play,” he said.
“It will take a bit of time and that is normal. We should not let the results provoke or shock us.”
Ganso dismisses Milan link
Ganso has dismissed speculation linking him with Milan. The 21-year-old has been linked with a host of top European sides, with the Rossoneri the latest reported destination for Ganso.
But he is set to stay put and take part in the Club World Cup with Santos president Luis Alvaro De Oliveira last week stating Neymar would also not be allowed to leave.
And Ganso said: “I have given my word to the president and I want to make things clear for the fans. I will play in the Club World Cup, and then there is the club’s centenary next year.
“I have not received any offers, and I can guarantee to the fans that I will not leave.”
Bendtner set for Gunners exit
Dane Nicklas Bendtner has con-firmed that he will leave Arsenal.
Speaking at Hampden before Denmark trained ahead of tonight’s friendly against Scotland, Bendtner was asked if he was set to leave the London club and he replied: “Yes. I have done my part as well as I can and it’s up to Arsenal now to sort it out, I can’t do anything more.
“I would like to play at a place where you are happy and play every week, that is the most important thing for any player.”
Asked if Stoke City were one of the teams he has spoken to, Bendtner laughed then replied: “I can’t say anything about who I have been speaking to, but hopefully it will all get sorted out soon.”
Friendly warning for Lindegaard
Denmark goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard joked he could face a fine from his Man. United boss Alex Ferguson if he denies Scotland in their friendly today.
Lindegaard was on the bench for the Old Trafford side at Wembley on Sunday as they beat rivals Manchester City 3-2 in the Community Shield. However, at full-time former Scotland boss Ferguson warned him not to stop Craig Levein’s side in Glasgow.
“He took me aside on Sunday and said he would fine me if I made any good saves against Scotland,” Lindegaard said.
“Of course, he said it with a smile and a laugh... hopefully he wasn’t being serious!”
Viola monitoring Bovo says agent
Palermo stand to lose a third key player this summer, with the agent of Cesare Bovo claiming Fiorentina are among a host of clubs chasing the defender.
With midfielder Javier Pastore and goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu both having joined big-spending Paris SG, Palermo can ill afford to lose any more of their central figures.
But Bovo, who impressed in defence last season, has been linked with a departure for much of the summer, with his former clubs Roma and Parma also among the possible destinations mooted for the 28-year-old.
And his agent Franco Zavaglia said: “Almost all teams are inter-ested in him. But he has a contract and only some can afford him. Fiorentina? They are certainly among them.”
Magpies land winger Obertan
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew yesterday completed the signing of winger Gabriel Obertan from Manchester United.
The 22-year-old French player moved to Old Trafford from Bordeaux two years ago but has been unable to hold down a regular place in Alex Ferguson’s first team.
Pardew believes Obertan will thrive at St James’ Park, providing the attacking speed which he suggests the Magpies were missing last season.
Pardew said: “I said I wanted to bring pace into the team. It was lacking last year and Gabriel will definitely bring that to the team.”
New deal for Swansea captain
Swansea have secured the future of captain Garry Monk after the defender signed a new three-year contract at the Liberty Stadium.
Monk joined the Swans seven years ago from Barnsley, and has played in all four divisions for the club on their journey from League Two to the Premier League.
Monk said: “It’s a big thing for me to sign a contract that will take me up to my 10th year.
“It’s something I am very proud of. It’s a great feeling knowing I can represent the club another three years at least.”
The 32-year-old’s new deal will keep him with the club until the end of the 2013/14 season, although the former Southampton man has been bedeviled by injuries over the last two seasons.