By Chris Burton Last updated: 4th July 2008
Rensing: Waited patiently
Bayern Munich keeper Michael Rensing is relishing the prospect of playing regular first-team football.
The 24-year-old has spent the last five years living in the shadow of Bayern legend Oliver Kahn but, with the veteran shot-stopper having retired in May, Rensing is ready to grasp his opportunity.
Having made only 23 Bundesliga appearances since signing for the club in 2003 Rensing has his sights set on domestic and international recognition.
"If you perform well as Bayern goalkeeper, you're bound to be in the frame for the national team," he said.
"But first of all, my focus is on Bayern, although obviously my dream is to play for Germany at some point.
"I've spent so long yearning for this moment, and it's arrived at last.
"This is a dream come true for me, that's why I'll be giving it even more effort than ever.
"Obviously there'll be more focus on me than before and a completely different season lies ahead for me personally.
"But in any case, I'm the most demanding critic of my own performances."
Incoming Bayern coach Jurgen Klinsmann has already assured Rensing that he will be his first-choice keeper for next season, with former international Hans-Jorg Butt acting as his back-up and mentor.
"Michael is undisputed No.1," said the former Germany boss.
"We're looking to help him develop, and we'll give him the time and the support he needs.
"He can become an outstanding goalkeeper, both here and internationally."
Bundesliga 2008/09 Win Outright: Bayern Munich 10/11| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Saturday 6th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Fulham vs Man City |
| 15:00 | Arsenal vs Wigan |
| 15:00 | Blackburn vs Liverpool |
| 15:00 | Bolton vs Chelsea |
| 15:00 | Hull vs Middlesbrough |
| 15:00 | Newcastle vs Stoke |
| 17:30 | Man Utd vs Sunderland |
| Sunday 7th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | West Brom vs Portsmouth |
| 16:00 | Everton vs Aston Villa |
| Monday 8th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 20:00 | West Ham vs Tottenham |
| Saturday 13th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Middlesbrough vs Arsenal |
| 15:00 | Aston Villa vs Bolton |
| 15:00 | Liverpool vs Hull |
| 15:00 | Man City vs Everton |
| 15:00 | Stoke vs Fulham |
| 15:00 | Sunderland vs West Brom |
| 15:00 | Wigan vs Blackburn |
| 17:30 | Tottenham vs Man Utd |
| Sunday 14th December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | Portsmouth vs Newcastle |
| 16:00 | Chelsea vs West Ham |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Monday 1st December | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Liverpool 0 - 0 West Ham | |
| Sunday 30th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man City 0 - 1 Man Utd | |
| Portsmouth 3 - 2 Blackburn | |
| Tottenham 0 - 1 Everton | |
| Chelsea 1 - 2 Arsenal | |
| Saturday 29th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Sunderland 1 - 4 Bolton | |
| Aston Villa 0 - 0 Fulham | |
| Wigan 2 - 1 West Brom | |
| Middlesbrough 0 - 0 Newcastle | |
| Stoke 1 - 1 Hull | |
| Monday 24th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Wigan 1 - 0 Everton | |
| Sunday 23rd November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Tottenham 1 - 0 Blackburn | |
| Sunderland 0 - 1 West Ham | |
| Saturday 22nd November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man City 3 - 0 Arsenal | |
| Portsmouth 2 - 2 Hull | |
| Chelsea 0 - 0 Newcastle | |
| Stoke 1 - 0 West Brom | |
| Aston Villa 0 - 0 Man Utd | |
| Liverpool 0 - 0 Fulham | |
| Middlesbrough 1 - 3 Bolton | |
Skysports.com draws up a 10-strong list of top derbies in world football.
We look at the pick of the action from this week's round of international friendly matches.
Scotland play Argentina at Hampden Park on Wednesday. Here we look at previous encounters.
Chris Kirkland has revealed he has put his England ambitions on hold in a bid to stay fit.
David Bentley refuses to accept that his bubbly personality is the reason behind his recent England snub.
George Burley insists he is no 'soft touch' and is confident Scotland can qualify for the World Cup.
Rio Ferdinand has refused to get carried away by England's start to their World Cup qualification campaign.
Chile's all-time leading international goalscorer Marcelo Salas is retiring from football.