Bitter Bayern admit title may be slipping away

Bayern Munich captain Mark van Bommel admitted his side’s hopes of catching leaders Wolfsburg, and defending their Bundesliga title, were dented when they lost 1-0 at home to Schalke 04.

A first-half header from Schalke’s Turkey striker Halil Altintop inflicted a third home defeat of the season on third-placed Bayern, while leaders Wolfsburg can go five points clear at the top if they beat Energie Cottbus on Sunday.

“It’s a setback in the title race, but it’s never over until the end,” said the Dutchman.

But for coach Jurgen Klinsmann, whose side were booed at the final whistle, every defeat is another black mark next to his name with Bayern fans.

“That’s a very bitter defeat, because we went into the match with high hopes,” said the ex-Germany boss. “Obviously, I’m angry and not a little frustrated.

“But there are still five games to go. We’ll take as many points as we can from our remaining games.”

Klinsmann was brutally honest about the situation he faces.

“Pressure is a constant companion at Bayern,” said the 44-year-old. “If Bayern Munich aren’t at the top of the table, there are whistles, criticism and much debate around the coach.”

But having again been booed off Munich’s Allianz Arena, Klinsmann admitted the jeers caused him some pain.

“But I can understand it if the results are not good,” he said. “At Bayern, the measuring stick is always very high.”

Bayern will be six points behind the leaders if Wolfsburg win at strugglers Cottbus and with five games left, failure to retain the title is now looking likely.

“Second place and qualification for Champions League are an absolute must,” insisted Klinsmann.

Hamburg also saw their title aspirations take a knock when they were beaten 2-0 at Borussia Dortmund to cap a bad week for Martin Jol’s side, who were knocked out of the German Cup by Werder Bremen on Wednesday.

Hamburg’s hopes of winning the treble of Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Cup are now over, but Jol’s side still have it all to play for as they face Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup semi-final first leg on Thursday.

“This defeat is no big disadvantage in the games coming up for us,” said Jol, whose side are fifth, but level on 54 points with third-placed Bayern and Stuttgart in fourth.

“The situation has not changed, except that before we had three title chances and now only two. But we are still third in contention and we go on, I am proud of the achievements of my team.”