BayernForum.com

09.02.2007

After Roy Makaay, Claudio Pizarro is Bayern's leading scorer this term with a total of 10 goals, including four in the Champions League group phase. The Peru hitman, who has reached double figures in the Bundesliga every season since arriving at Bayern from Bremen in 2002, has been in the headlines again recently, largely because he has yet to agree an extension to his current deal which expires this summer. The 28-year-old spoke to <b>fcbayern.de</b> about the change of head coach, the first week under Ottmar Hitzfeld, and where things stand regarding his future at the club.

<b>Interview: Claudio Pizarro</b>

<b>fcbayern.de:</b> Claudio, how has the team reacted to Felix Magath's departure and Ottmar Hitzfeld's arrival?

<b><i>Claudio Pizarro:</i></b> "It took us by surprise, especially because it all happened so quickly. The board reacted to a string of poor results. We certainly didn't know we'd see the return of Ottmar Hitzfeld, who a number of us have played for in the past. The players have to adapt quickly to the new situation and set our sights on the future. We're in a tricky situation."

<b>fcbayern.de:</b> What's your impression of the first full week with Hitzfeld back at the helm?

<b><i>Pizarro:</i></b> "Very good. The coach is extremely motivated. OK, he only had a single day to find his feet before we played Nuremberg, so it was obviously very difficult to change anything around. But that's what he's been doing over the last week. He's very quickly identified the mistakes we've been making in different areas, and he's focused on cutting out those mistakes. I think we'll put that into practice against Bielefeld."

<b>fcbayern.de:</b> So are we ready to see the results of his efforts?

<b><i>Pizarro:</i></b> "I think we will see changes. Obviously, we won't suddenly turn on the style in the space of a single match, but we'll definitely give a better account of ourselves. Hopefully, we'll soon settle into a rhythm and return to winning ways. What matters now is playing well and winning."

<b>fcbayern.de:</b> Do you think it helps that a majority of the squad has already worked with Hitzfeld?

<b><i>Pizarro:</i></b> "Yes, I think it does. He knows most of the players, so he's already got a good idea as to who can play where. He doesn't need a long settling-in period, and that's important."

<b>fcbayern.de:</b> Can you see your role changing at all?

<b><i>Pizarro:</i></b> "No, I don't think so. Hitzfeld likes to play with two strikers, one of them perhaps a little withdrawn. That was the system with Magath as well. In any case, it's more important that we keep it tight as a team and defend well as a unit. Provided we do that, it gives us the opportunity to create chances at the other end of the field. The coach knows how I like to play, so I won't be put off if I don't go out there and score straight away, because what I do for the team is more important."

<b>fcbayern.de:</b> The fact that your contract expires this summer has attracted plenty of media attention. What's the current state of play?

<b><i>Pizarro:</i></b> "There's nothing new to report at the moment. My agent will be in Germany over the next few weeks, and we'll be holding the next round of talks. I hope we reach an agreement."

<b>fcbayern.de:</b> What's been the stumbling block so far?

<b><i>Pizarro:</i></b> "You always get two differing points of view when you go into negotiations. You have to keep on talking, and thrash out an agreement at some point. And if you can't, then there's no agreement."

<b>fcbayern.de:</b> Are you going to extend your stay at Bayern?

<b><i>Pizarro:</i></b> "I hope so. I'd really like to stay here. I'm very happy, and my family is nicely settled. I'm confident we'll strike a deal. Let me emphasise that I haven't spoken to any other clubs up to now. Bayern remains my first port of call. I'll only worry about alternatives if we can't reach an agreement."

FCBayernNews wrote:
<b>fcbayern.de:</b> Are you going to extend your stay at Bayern?


<b><i>Pizarro:</i></b> "I hope so. I'd really like to stay here. I'm very happy, and my family is nicely settled. I'm confident we'll strike a deal. Let me emphasise that I haven't spoken to any other clubs up to now. Bayern remains my first port of call. I'll only worry about alternatives if we can't reach an agreement."

Good boy.......Keep it up Pizza...We want you to stay too...

Yes, this is great news. I hope he will stay, at least until Podolski finds his feet.