It remains to be seen who will next be in the Villa hotseat, with former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel both likely to be among the contenders.

Boris Rupert reporting from Sinsheim

DFL confirms timings for matchdays 31 to 34 The Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) confirmed the timings...

After Anthony Jung signed his new contract, he gave an interview for WERDER.DE. The 31-year-old revealed that the day of signing is still special, despite his experience in doing so. Jung also spoke about the reasons for his extension, his time up to now at the Green-Whites and his role as an older player in the squad.

Maxim Leitsch will leave VfL Bochum 1848 before his contract expires and join 1.FSV Mainz 05,...

Matija Nastasic looks towards the upcoming friendly against the Russian league-leaders Zenit St. Petersburg. The centre-back spoke to Schalke04.de about the sporting situation, the injury-fuelled problems of Mark Uth and Breel Embolo and gives reasons as to why the side are having a more successful Champions League campaign than Bundesliga.

Head coach Enrico Maaßen’s side will return to Bundesliga action away at Borussia Dortmund on 22nd January (15:30 CET). In a final test before the league resumes, FCA will play a doubleheader of friendlies at home against fellow top-tier side VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday, 14th January (13:00 CET & 15:00 CET). Both matches will be 90 minutes.

The focus once again turns to Bayern’s former charge and current Barca striker Robert Lewandowski, who continues to strengthen the notion that he can’t score in crucial games. This time around, it was in no small part due to Bayern’s defense being able to shut out their attack.

“Lucas has been with us now for over five years and has developed really well,” said sporting director Jochen Saier. “Lucas is an important player in our squad due to his excellent attitude, presence and hard work on and off the pitch. We’re delighted that he’s staying at the club.”

Sandro Schwarz made two changes to his starting eleven for the visit of Germany’s most successful club. Jean-Paul Boëtius started in the place of the injured Stevan Jovetić. Davie Selke also came in for Wilfried Kanga, who having had a stomach bug during the week was only fit enough to make the bench. Prince Boateng also made the bench for the first time since October, while Manuel Neuer celebrated his comeback for the visitors.