Bayern Munich midfielder Andreas Ottl has pledged to see out his contract and fight for his place.
German midfielder to stay with Bayern
Bayern Munich midfielder Andreas Ottl has pledged to see out his contract and fight for a place in the side.
The 25-year-old was on loan at Nurnberg for the second half of the season in the Bundesliga, but has insisted that he will try to break into the first team at the Allianz Arena.
Ottl broke into the Bayern side five years ago, but has failed to hold down a spot, with manager Louis van Gaal preferring the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mark van Bommel.
"I can rule out a return to Nurnberg at the present time," he told
Bild.
"I still have one year on my contract in Munich and I want to make the breakthrough.
"That is my challenge as a footballer. I know how to deal with the difficult situation in Munich - I have learnt that over the years.
"Therefore, I am ready to fight for my place."
Kraft hopeful
Another squad player, goalkeeper Thomas Kraft, is also willing to stay on to try and win a first-team spot after Michael Rensing left the club after coming to the end of his contract.
The 21-year-old is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Holger Badstuber and Thomas Muller, who emerged through the youth team to become Germany internationals, something Kraft feels he can achieve if he can succeed current No.1 Hans-Jorg Butt.
"Of course I am only No.1 until Butti is back, but I am certainly going to give it my best shot," said the 21-year-old.
"I am really desperate to make my first appearance in the Bundesliga and it would be great to do that this season.
"Butti plans to retire in 2011, therefore it is going to be a really important year for me.
"I want to use it to recommend myself as the new No.1 because otherwise there is going to be the discussion of whether Kraft can do it or if a new goalkeeper needs to be signed."
