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Posted by: LaPalma Aug 10 2007, 12:35 PM

The new season in the Bundesliga is about to start this evening with the top match Stuttgart - Schalke.
I dunno if many people besides me and Teenie watch the Bundesliga often, but I thought as most attended league in the world, the Bundesliga deserves an own topic.

And if it's only here for me to write down how many goals Joel Epalle scored

Posted by: Tennie Aug 10 2007, 12:43 PM

Go Stuttgart!

The opening match will be shown live here (in addition to three games on Saturday - including Bochum's!) and I look forward to seeing the Bundesliga starting up again.

Posted by: LaPalma Aug 10 2007, 01:00 PM

Without Gomez and Cacau it'll be a very tough match for them. But I'm eager to see Cyprian Marica....for 8 Million he'd better be a good striker...

Posted by: Tennie Aug 10 2007, 01:07 PM

? I knew Gomez was out but the latest (english-language) report I read said Cacau would be available. It's too early in the morning for me to dare trying to read German.

Posted by: LaPalma Aug 10 2007, 01:42 PM

Cacau will most probably sit on the bench as he's not fit to play 90 minutes. Maybe Veh lets him play as joker. They'll play a 4-1-4-1 most likely with Marica as only striker.

Posted by: Tennie Aug 10 2007, 01:50 PM

Oh dear.

Maybe one (or more) of the Schalke players will get sent off for diving. They do it so frequently...

Posted by: Tennie Aug 10 2007, 07:04 PM

Hsm. Half an hour til kickoff and the ESPN matchcast lists Cacau as starting. Maybe he /is/ better. One can hope!

Posted by: LaPalma Aug 10 2007, 07:18 PM

Can't wait to see the match...one of the two live matches of the season shown on free tv. Hope Stuttgart will win it. I dunno about Cacau...seems that Armin Veh hasn't decided yet...

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 10 2007, 07:41 PM

We don't get any Live German football here unfortunately, but I do like the highlights shows we get. It reminds me alot of the Premier League, the fans, atmosphere, etc. So I'll be taking a much bigger interest in it this year.

..I've decided to support Stuttgart, not because I'm a glory hunter! Just because I like Der Hammer. Keep me updated on the score please.

Posted by: Tennie Aug 10 2007, 07:50 PM

Haha. Lost a bet with myself. Boka was NOT the first player to get carded. Kuranyi was.

EDIT: oops. Hilbert own goal. Schalke leads 1-0 in the 25th.

Posted by: dst Aug 10 2007, 08:27 PM

Good first half. Great atmosphere by the fans!!

Posted by: Tennie Aug 10 2007, 09:29 PM

2-2, full time. A pretty good game for the first game of the season. I wish Stuttgart had been able to pull it out, but even so it was a good show.

Posted by: dst Aug 10 2007, 09:39 PM

Yes. I like Stuttgart! They play good football... the second half was very good! Great pace by both teams. Stuttgart really owned Schalke in those 15 minutes they scored the goals!!

Posted by: LaPalma Aug 11 2007, 01:19 AM

What a goal by Rakitic...maybe he really can fill the gap left by Lincoln....young Özil was good as well.
Btw...I lost a bet as well. I said that Marica would score the first goal of the season. Good first game by him though.

Posted by: Tennie Aug 11 2007, 05:21 PM

So Bayern played Hansa Rostock, one of the newly-promoted teams. It wasn't necessarily the hardest challenge Bayern will face this year, but they looked scary good. Result 3-0. Toni got the first goal, Klose the other two.

Posted by: misha Aug 16 2007, 12:38 PM

Watching the Bayern game last week I was wondering why the f@ck couldn't we buy Klose?

Posted by: LaPalma Aug 16 2007, 01:08 PM

Well....I guess all his critics were wrong about him, he's a brillant striker, but I can't stand him anymore....lost all respect for him after his transfer story to Bayern.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Aug 16 2007, 04:50 PM

Gotta agree...what about Van der Vaart. I'll only quit Hamburg for Madrid, and now he's like I wanna go to Valencia.

Posted by: Tennie Aug 16 2007, 06:29 PM

Unsurprisingly (or not), Van der Vaart is NOT playing in Hamburg's Uefa Cup game (vs. Honved. Currently scorless in the 21st min).

Posted by: bigmacmtl Aug 16 2007, 06:35 PM

ya especially cuz i've always liked bremen.... + he said is he was to move it would be outside of germany.

that would be like toni saying he wouldnt betray fiorentina and then he demands a transfer to inter

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 16 2007, 08:57 PM

Germany squad to face England at Wembley:

Goalkeepers: Timo Hildebrand (Valencia, Spain), Jens Lehmann (Arsenal, England)

Defenders: Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Clemens Fritz (Werder Bremen), Marcell Jansen (Bayern Munich), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Christoph Metzelder (Real Madrid, Spain), Serdar Tasci (VfB Stuttgart)

Midfielders: Roberto Hilbert (VfB Stuttgart), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), Sami Khedira (VfB Stuttgart), Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen), Bernd Schneider (Bayer Leverkusen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburg SV)

Forwards: Patrick Helmes (Cologne), Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen), Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), Kevin Kuranyi (Schalke 04)

Looks like their squad is as injury hit as ours. As long as Lehmann plays, we've always got a chance.

At least this squad has more Germans in it, rather than Poles and Ghanians.

Posted by: Tennie Aug 16 2007, 09:03 PM

Khedira got a call up! He's one of my favorite Stuttgart players, came up through their youth team and played his way onto the first team last year. He's a fun one to watch.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 16 2007, 11:02 PM

The Germany coach Joachim Loew, anybody know anything about him? The name doesn't ring a bell for me, just wondering how good he was to land one of the biggest jobs in the sport.

Posted by: KillerMax Aug 16 2007, 11:41 PM

I think he was Klinsmann's assistant.

Posted by: bigmacmtl Aug 17 2007, 03:08 AM

he was

Posted by: LaPalma Aug 17 2007, 08:11 AM

Max is right. Löw was assisting Klinsi from 2004 till 2006. Before that he coached some Bundesliga teams. His biggest success back then was when he won the DFB Cup with Stuttgart.
Our squad? You're right... some of our best players are injured, with Ballack and Frings two of our "old" leaders won't be there. Jansen will also miss the game which is a very big loss IMO, as he's one the best LW backs there are. Gomez injury is bad too, but we have Kuranyi and Klose...one brillant and one very good striker.
Lehmann? I don't care what he does for Arsenal. When he plays for Germany he's always there in the important games.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 17 2007, 08:16 AM

It's unfortunate that alot of our best players are injured. You seem to have quite a few key players out, while we only have Rooney as a loss at the moment, though Rafa Benitez is saying Gerrard will be fit for the game against Chelsea on Sunday, but will be unavailable for the game against Germany(?) I don't understand the logic in that.

LaPalma, any idea on the most likely lineup of the announced squad? Alot of the names are very unfamiliar to me, so I wouldn't like to guess!

Posted by: LaPalma Aug 17 2007, 09:21 AM

Not quite sure...but this would be my guess....


-----------------------------------Lehmann----------------------------

-----Lahm---------Mertesacker---------Metzelder------Pander---

--------------------------------Hitzlsperger---------------------------

---Hilbert------------------------------------------Schweinsteiger---

-------------------------------Schneider------------------------------

-----------------Klose-----------------------Kuranyi-----------------



I think the back 4 are quite certain, as Lahm is the only wing back available as Jansen is out. I dunno why Löw hasn't called up Christian Pander of Schalke...really good LB. I think Friedrich will play on the right flank as he did last year at the World Cup. If he's OK, Clemens Fritz of Bremen might take Friedrichs spot...it's the more offensive option. Other options for that are Tasci (too young, first call up) or Hilbert (learned Midfielder, but played very good as RB in the Bundesliga opener against Schalke).

The midfield is a real problem as Borowski, Ballack and Frings are out. All experienced midfielders with a lot of class. My guess is that we'll play with Hitzlsperger as number 6, Khedira and Rolfes could play that as well, but I given Hitzlspergers great form he'll most probably play. Schweinsteiger on the left is certain, Hilbert on the right most likely as we need Schneider as AM. That guy is a genius. Almost 34 years old and getting better year by year...he's easily the most creative german player after the retirement of Sebastian Deisler.

The attack....Kuranyi and Klose will play there from the beginning. Both are great in the air, both in top form, both are experienced. Plus, Helmes (playing in the 2nd Bundesliga) and Kießling (not at top of his game AND very unexperienced) won't really challenge them for this spots. With Podolski and Gomez our quality options are out

Edit: Fritz is injured and Löw nominated Christian Pander of Schalke....sp I updated my line-up.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 17 2007, 05:18 PM

The lineup you've put does look pretty strong. Only Pander and Hilbert I'm not too familiar with. Klose vs Terry - That ought to be one to watch.

Posted by: Tennie Aug 17 2007, 05:19 PM

Hilbert's good, despite his little oops against Schalke last week.

Posted by: LaPalma Aug 18 2007, 10:39 AM

Strong?Ballack and Frings are our MvPs.....especially without Frings in front of the defense it'll be very tough. On the other hand....Before the Klinsmann era and our many new young players in the NT we would have been dommed without Frings and Ballack.

Hilbert and Pander? They're both young players I'll rate very high. Especially Pander, really good LB, good in the attack, good crosses, awesome corners and free kicks.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Aug 18 2007, 11:12 AM

Your lineup will be stronger than ours for sure. Neville is missing from the back, Beckham and possibly Gerrard from midfield and then Rooney and Owen won't be playing up front.

Posted by: Tennie Aug 18 2007, 03:52 PM

I think I'm glad Milan faced last year's Bayern in the CL semis. This year's new-look Bayern is spanking Bremen today. Score is 2-0 in the 60th (goals by Ribery and Toni) and I wouldn't be surprised if they scored more. Bayern are going to be tough to beat in the league and in the UEFA Cup.

Posted by: whoarethepatriots Aug 18 2007, 04:05 PM

Looks like Toni is doing well, 2 in 2 if i am not mistaken

Posted by: Tennie Aug 18 2007, 04:09 PM

Yup. Toni is doing very well so far. Scored in the first game, scored today, and...wow. Just set up Bayern's third goal.

EDIT: Final score was Werder Bermen 0 - 4 Bayern Munich.

Goals from Ribery, Toni, Altintop, and Ottl.

Posted by: LaPalma Aug 18 2007, 05:37 PM

Brillant performance as well by Schalke 04. They crushed Dortmunf in Gelsenkirchen with a great 4-1! And what a performance by Christian Pander

Posted by: whoarethepatriots Aug 18 2007, 06:20 PM

This bayern squad is looking very threatening, at first i thought it was funny that they didnt qualify for CL, but it looks like the CL will be slightly duller without them

Posted by: KillerMax Aug 25 2007, 03:24 PM

Toni scored for Bayern and got injured.

Gekas scored the 3rd goals for Leverkusen. I know some of you follow him here.

Posted by: Tennie Aug 25 2007, 03:33 PM

And a shoutout for La Palma, Bochum beat Hamburg 2-1 yesterday!

(I hope Toni's injury isn't bad. The Azzurri need him. the fact that he went straight to the dressingroom isn't encouraging).

Posted by: LaPalma Aug 26 2007, 09:34 PM

Hehe...we were on top of the table for one day (the first time in 5 years), and what a game it was. Thrilling, with a great goal and you could even see the moon over Wanne-Eickel. Great night! Now Bayern is on top again, they'll win the Bundesliga this year...that's certain. But what a comeback by Mario Gomez. He was injured for 3 or 4 weeks, comes back and scores immediately. That guy is just fvcking awesome!

Posted by: Tennie Sep 2 2007, 05:50 PM

Very tough match between Hamburg -Bayern today. 1-1 draw. Lots of cards.

Posted by: Tennie Sep 3 2007, 04:48 PM

Side note: if any of you get a chance to watch Bayer Leverkusen play, DO IT.

The team has Theofanis Gekas in as striker, and he's really on form. But the player I think is even more exciting to watch is their keeper, Rene Adler. This kid is spectacular.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 20 2007, 08:47 AM

Adler and Schneider. I'm so sorry Bernd is too old to play for us, or something more then just BL. But he is in terrific form, he simply fascinates me in every single move. Passing, shooting, dribbling,...

I do like German players in all, but there are (or were) 2 guys I adore- Bernd Schneider and Mehmet Scholl. So sorry they both had much injuries.

Posted by: LaPalma Sep 22 2007, 12:08 PM

Agreed, Schnixx is simply amazing. He was amazing in the last years as well but it seems the football world discovered his talents a bit too late for him. IMO he's a better OM than Ballack is. Schneider is just technically so gifted. More than any other german player. Like him a lot.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Sep 23 2007, 05:27 PM

Just looking at some scores, nice to see Toni playing very well. Bayern seem unstoppable.

Karlsruhe [1 - 3] Bayern Munich - Currently on '70
5' [0 - 1] L. Toni
20' [0 - 2] M. Klose
49' [0 - 3] H. Altintop
52' [1 - 3] M. Porcello

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 23 2007, 07:21 PM

Sure he is better then Ballack. And this Euro could be his competition,..

Bayern are the sure champions. There is no team that could stop them. Schalke is not serious enough, Leverkusen has a way toooo week defense, Hertha also, BVB is still unstable and very moody. Werder is inflicted with similar injury problems as Sammer's Dortmund had a couple of years ago. Defending champion Stuttgart struggles to find his form and Nürenberg is suffering from their uneffective transfer policy. So there is no possible way for Bayern to loose this season,..

Posted by: dst Sep 23 2007, 10:13 PM

I think Toni has scored in every single one of his official appearances with Bayern!!

Posted by: LaPalma Sep 24 2007, 11:37 AM

IMO the only team that can stop Bayern this is year is Schalke. They've already played against the most dangerous sides in Germany....Stuttgart, Bremen, Dortmund, Bayern. They haven't lost till now and IMO they're better without their playmaker Lincoln. Their new OM Rakitic might not be as elegant as Lincoln but he's more effective and only 19. he can be "something" in a few years. And with Kuranyi they have a brillant striker. Can't stand them but they have a good team.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 24 2007, 02:41 PM

You know, that is really funny. I like the German team very much, I like clubs like Bayern, BVB, Gladbach, Werder or HSV very much. But the only big team I really can't stand is Schalke. I don't know why,...but as you said, I can't stand them. I hope Rakitic changes his team soon cause I don't like to see him there.

Posted by: Tennie Sep 24 2007, 03:11 PM

Wow...I don't like Schalke either. They must really have some bad karma at Gelsenkirchen. Nobody likes them!

That said, this year's Bayern are...all but unstoppable. They're a powerhouse and I wouldn't be surprised if they go unbeaten this year.

Posted by: LaPalma Sep 24 2007, 03:17 PM

IMO they weren't that impressing at all in the last couple of games. They were crappy against Hamburg, were lucky not to loose against Schalke and their UEFA Cup match against Belenenses...that was nothing special as well. They were good against Karlsruhe but Karlsruhe had bad luck. Even hitzfeld admitted after the game that there's still a lot of work to do for him. IMO they'll struggle if Toni or Klose would be out longer. Without them they're not much better than last year.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Sep 24 2007, 05:45 PM

LaPalma or anyone can you give me Bayern's formation?

If I understand, they play Toni and Klose up front nein? Und Ribery plays behind?So wo ist Podolski? Since Ribery, Altintop, Schweinsteiger and Van Bommel would I presume fill in the mid-field?

Do we have a prospective transfer??

Posted by: Tennie Sep 24 2007, 06:12 PM

LaPalma probably has better info than I do, but it's my understanding that Podolski is now the #3 or #4 striker at Bayern. His form has been...not so great recently, especially compared to the Toni-Klose partnership (if healthy, those two start, with Ribery right behind, at least in the games I've seen).

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 24 2007, 06:43 PM

So, jetzt mal aufpassen...

Hitzfeld is doing some rotation and some players are injuried. Something like this:

Kahn; Lucio, Demichelis(Van Buyten/Ismael), Lell(Sagnol), Jansen(Lahm); Ze Roberto, Van Bommel, Ribery, Schweinsteger; Klose, Toni

Sagnol, Lahm and Ismael with injuries, Van Buyten and Altintop are benched. Ribery and Schwein do often change their positions. And yes, Poldi is also on the bench, and out of any form.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Sep 24 2007, 07:11 PM

So then...Poldi to Milan??

Yes because...?
No because...?
I'm freaking crazy because...?

Posted by: Tennie Sep 24 2007, 07:13 PM

Right now, I'd say no because we don't need Gila v2 as far as confidence and strikerate are concerned. Also, if we're going to shell out the kind of $$$ that Bayern would want for Poldi, I'd rather get an in-form Italian.

Posted by: misha Sep 24 2007, 08:03 PM

Or Dutch like Huntelaar

Their league is not the strongest, but still 108 goals in 144 games (for Heerenveen and Ajax) is pretty good record.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 24 2007, 08:47 PM

You know,...mybe the things I'm about to say won't sound very plausible, but,..

In general and very simplificated there are two kinds of strikers in present football - the one let's say Sheva represents and the one that Ruud van Nistelrooy represents. The first group (Drogba, Eto'o, Torres, etc.) are extra-class strikers who are present in every match. They dribble, tackle, shoot, pass, assist, etc. They seiz attention while they play. The other group (Morientes, Cruz, Trezeguet, etc.) consists also talented strikers, but the kind of strikers that make you wait the whole 90 minutes for 1 minute of their magic. If they are really good they usually score. Like Ruud last night against Valladolid. The moment the match started and Real revealed their poor form, I knew RvN will score even though it seemed he wasn't in the match. Okay, he did not score, but made the assist. Gilardino tends to be the same, but does not suceed. He plays the whole 90 mins. in "stelth mode" without that 1 min. of magic.

My point: Huntelaar is in that second group. He waits for his goal in a stelth position and is a cool finisher. I do not know if we need that kind of strikers more then the other.

Posted by: KillerMax Sep 24 2007, 09:39 PM

Well, it would be very nice to have Huntelaar, Inzaghi, Ronaldo, Pato.

Plus, Huntelaar scores from long range shots and freekicks.

Posted by: Tennie Sep 24 2007, 09:41 PM

I'm rather eh on Huntelaar. I'd rather have Babel or Snejder (and yes i know MIlan don't play with wingers).

Posted by: KillerMax Sep 24 2007, 09:45 PM

Watch through the whole video. He is more a Sheva-type striker than Gila-type.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIIGScglFCE

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 24 2007, 09:51 PM

I'm with you on that but both players were signed recently so there is not much of a chance they join us,..

Anyway, I've opened a topic about Huntelaar so that we can rest the Bundesliga topic for related matters,..

http://www.milanfan.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5449

Posted by: KillerMax Sep 24 2007, 09:53 PM

Here is a compilation of his bicycle kicks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQbNneMKzsU

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 24 2007, 09:55 PM

Bicycle kicks,..that reminds me on one Parma striker,..were did he dissapeared?

Posted by: KillerMax Sep 24 2007, 09:57 PM

He only ever pulled off what, two bicycle kicks? Did he ever score a free kick?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 25 2007, 01:22 PM

Nope. That's one of Huntelaars advantages. One of many,..

Posted by: misha Sep 25 2007, 07:45 PM

Dortmund are so bad. Hamburg owning them at Westfalenstadion. 2:0 HT

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 25 2007, 07:50 PM

Doll is an awfull coach, that's why,..

Posted by: LaPalma Sep 26 2007, 07:18 AM

Doll is OK IMO, but Stevens is the much more experienced coach and his strategy not to conceed goals was always a good recipe for success.
Schalke won again...no big surprise IMO they work together as a team better than any other team in the Bundesliga.
About Poldi and Milan...a big fat NO from me. Right now he's only Germanys number 4 striker after Klose, Kuranyi and Gomez. He was injured for half a year and is far away from the player he was in Cologne.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Sep 26 2007, 11:26 PM

Now I've made it clear that I do not rate Klose one bit, but he and Toni seem to have one hell of a partnership.

Bayern 5-0 Cuttbus
Klose hat-trick, Toni and Demichelis with a goal each.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Sep 30 2007, 12:59 AM

Another Bayern game, another Bayern win, another Toni goal.
Leverkusen 0-1 Bayern

Other results..
Bochum 3 - 3 Nurnberg
Hamburger SV 2 - 2 Wolfsburg
Hansa Rostock 2 - 1 Stuttgart
Karlsruhe 3 - 1 Borussia Dortmund
Werder Bremen 8 - 1 Arminia Bielefeld

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Sep 30 2007, 01:02 AM

@ LaPalma what happened to Dormund ?! They used to be a good team !

Posted by: Tennie Sep 30 2007, 01:26 AM

I saw part of the Munich-Leverkusen game. It was a good game that really could've gone either way.

Toni & Klose have a VERY good partnership, though. All it took for the winning goal was one defender being off position a couple of paces.

Posted by: LaPalma Sep 30 2007, 11:08 PM

Dortmund is nowhere near the class they had 6 or 7 years ago. They had existencial financial problems 2 years ago. Now they have a crappy team, they always buy crappy players and don't realise that they're only the second team in the Ruhrgebiet after Schalke (which has a brillant team).
Bayern and Schalke on spots 1 and 2. My prediction: It'll be like this in the end of the season as well.
Bochum scored 3 but it wasn't enough against Cup holders Nürnberg....crqppy defense...
Bremem vs Bielefeld... Seems like Bremen starts to play the kinda football again everybode loves them for. Still... they desperately miss Klose.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Sep 30 2007, 11:19 PM

Well back then (6-7yrs ago) Dortmund kicked @ss !

Too bad they faced problems ... Did they have a fan base ? or was most of it for Bayern ?!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Sep 30 2007, 11:23 PM

Hopefully Klasnic can return for Werder and put out some nice performance...

Dortmund are really looking terrible. Wörns especially,..he is not the player he used to be anymore, but I guess he really is to old. BVB have a very old defense, and a not enough wide spectre in the midfield. The only relatively good thing is the attack - with Diego K, Petric, Frei and Buckley. Kringe has some potential as well, but all together not enough. And I don not rate Doll very high.

It's gonna be like this - Bayern 1st, Schalke 2nd; then for place 3-HSV, Bayer or Werder; KSC could be the suprise,..

Posted by: LaPalma Sep 30 2007, 11:24 PM

Dortmund and Schalke are the second biggest clubs in Germany after Bayern. They have a massive fan base, though I can't understand the 75.000 people that watch their home matches...
All of Dortmunds good players are gone. Metzelder (Madrid), Koller (Monaco), Rosicky (Arsenal) and other like Wörns are far past their prime.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Sep 30 2007, 11:46 PM

That's too bad ... They used to be all over the sports headlines .. Will they ever get back? I mean, is there a plan or their president ? Is there ambition or is it all over for them ?!

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 1 2007, 09:21 AM

That's the sad thing about Dortmund...they always have big ambitions when the season beginns but after 6,7 weeks it's all over

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 1 2007, 06:32 PM

Are you talking about Milan?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 1 2007, 07:08 PM

Dortmund have exactly the opposite problem. Beside thier financial trouble, they buy every season big but their seletion of players is really poor. Spending money on Kilmowitz, Valdez, Federico,...does not make any sense. While their best players leave. Once they had a real good school too, but nowdays,..

So there is nothing like the Milan-situation

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 1 2007, 08:10 PM

Posted by: dst Oct 1 2007, 08:59 PM

Yes even when eating sh!t, we're still unique... we pick the tastier!


...

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 2 2007, 12:25 AM

Now now ... Even though the team has yet to play a game to the standards that we are all used to. Milan is still a winning team ! Sure we have yet to win a game in the league, but look on the bright side any team would swap for our position just to take our recent achievements.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 7 2007, 04:38 PM

Bayern Munich 1 - 0 Nurnberg - '30
Luca Toni.. AGAIN!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Oct 7 2007, 08:38 PM

KSC does amazingly well this season so far,..

Posted by: dst Oct 7 2007, 10:06 PM

Toni scored twice today. Munich won 3-0 with one more goal from Ze Roberto this time. It surely does not matter that Silvio rejected the chance to sign Luca Toni!!

Posted by: arivanjj Oct 10 2007, 07:52 AM

really happy for him ... the first Kurd to play in big leagues!


http://www.metacafe.com/watch/779559/hawar_mulla_amazing_goal/

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Oct 10 2007, 09:38 AM

He is a quality player .. In his early 20's. He showed real promise in the Olympics and Asian Cup ... Will be interesting to see how he does in Europe. Good luck to him

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 10 2007, 01:23 PM

Why the F didn't Qadissiya get him? Do we still have a problem with an Iraqi in the squad?

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 20 2007, 02:44 PM

Bochum vs. Bayern 1-0, Dennis Grote. Say good bye to your clean sheet you d@mn bavarians!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 20 2007, 02:48 PM

Yay! Bayren are losing! Shame it's so early.

P.S. Aren't Bochum your team, La Palma?

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 20 2007, 03:06 PM

Yap they are. Would be great to see them come back with a victory over Bayern after 4 or 5 games without a win.
Only problem: There are still 60 minutes to play

Posted by: kurtsimonw Oct 20 2007, 03:08 PM

Bochum 1-1 Bayern. Ribery.

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 20 2007, 03:12 PM

That ugly *******...

Posted by: Tennie Oct 20 2007, 03:16 PM

He's one of the few French players I like. Amazingly talented.

(Anyway, Luca Toni is hot enough for the whole team).

Bochum are looking good though. Creating chances and not conceding a thing to Bayern.

Posted by: Tennie Oct 20 2007, 03:39 PM

And wtf happened to Stuttgart this year? They're being spanked by Hamburg (3-0 early in the second half).

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 20 2007, 03:50 PM

The success of the last season was to much for them. Plus they're missing Delpierre, Meira and Hitzlsperger. And their entire team is too fristrated. Of course Hamburg are a good team too and deserve the win.
Hope Bochum will get a point today....

Posted by: LaPalma Oct 20 2007, 04:28 PM

...Schweini...

Posted by: Tennie Oct 20 2007, 04:51 PM

That's a hard loss, La Palma. Darn those Bavarians!

I really enjoy the way Bochum play though. They're not flashy but they ARE determined and they keep trying no matter what. They've got good fighting spirit. (I might have to get a Bochum jersey now to put next to the Villa one Kurt brianwashed me into buying).

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 20 2007, 05:25 PM

What else did he brainwash you to do? Kurt, you sly dog...

Posted by: Tennie Oct 20 2007, 05:30 PM

The fish doll won't let me say.

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 20 2007, 05:48 PM

OK, you are starting to scare me with this fish doll thing... You're not one of those serial killers, are ya?

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Oct 20 2007, 05:54 PM

No, that would be ari....Tennie's like Tom Hanks in Castaway with the volley ball.

Posted by: KillerMax Oct 20 2007, 06:09 PM

LOL!! I love that movie.

So Tennie, do you live in a cave on some unknown island near Italy with a binocular and a ton of peanuts left from the plain that crashed? That would explain all the underground info and the whole social awkwardness thing...

Posted by: Tennie Nov 9 2007, 10:23 PM

Afraid I can't say, Max.

In any event, a shout out and congratulations to La Palma, whose Bochum beat Duisberg 2-0 today.

The first goal was scored by Imhof, who is half Canadian (psst, bicgmac).

Posted by: LaPalma Nov 10 2007, 12:11 AM

Just came back home from my trip to Duisburg. Can't say that I'm too pleased with the match besides the result and the fact that Tommy Bechmann seems to play football again.
Oh and...if any of you EVER want to see a match in Duisburg (really nice and new stadium) go there by bus, train or even by bike....don't ever go there with a car...it'll take you lightyears to find a parking place

Posted by: KillerMax Nov 10 2007, 04:20 AM

OK!! We'll all keep that in mind next time we go to Duisburg!

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Nov 10 2007, 07:58 AM

She could tell you max, but then she'd have to kill you!




Daaaarn..now you tell me...I'd bought a customised Rolls Royce, and am in the parking lot already.

Thanks for the heads up. By bike do u mean bicycles or motor bikes?

Posted by: LaPalma Nov 10 2007, 12:08 PM

EVERYTHING....except a car

Oh btw....a former Milan player is now in Duisburg....Roque Junior. After yesterdays match I wonder why he ever made it to the Selecao.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Nov 10 2007, 01:45 PM

I'm not gonna say anything bad, about a guy who was in the team that won us the match at Old Trafford with Juve. He was limping towards the end of the match, and we had run out of subs. I remember praying he'd hold on.

Posted by: LaPalma Nov 10 2007, 02:13 PM

Never said you should. But the mere fact that he's now playing in Duisburg says a lot about his current form (or his class?).

Posted by: misha Nov 10 2007, 04:03 PM

Stuttgart - Bayern 2:0 30min

Posted by: Tennie Nov 10 2007, 04:06 PM

Hee. Beat me to it, Mishale. Stunning game so far. Stuttgart have finally woken up.

FYI, the kid (Kroos) is playing in the game too, for Bayern. In what I think is normall Van Bommel's place.

Schalke-Hamburg is currently 1-0 but is turning into a bit of a dirty game. Lots of temper showing, lot of cards.

Edit: make that 1-1. Olic just scored.
Edit: Halftime score: Stuttgart 3 - 0 Bayern. (two by Gomez, one by Basturk)

Posted by: misha Nov 10 2007, 04:32 PM

First defeat this season for Bayern. It's about time

Posted by: kurtsimonw Nov 10 2007, 05:17 PM

That's quite the defeat, considering how Stuttgart have been doing this season.

Posted by: Tennie Nov 10 2007, 05:23 PM

Luca Toni pulled one back in the 85th. FT result Stuttgart 3 - 1 Bayern.

Lucio got a straight red in the 70th (hahaha).

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Nov 10 2007, 06:08 PM

Yaaaaayyyyyyy...mah favourite Bundersliga team is back!!!

Porsche forever......

Posted by: LaPalma Nov 11 2007, 02:31 PM

Stuttgart had a very weak start as their fans expected them to fight for the title once again....they had problems to master this new situation. They HAVE a lot of potential and Bayern had to feel that yesterday. Great game by Gomez, that guy is a huge talent. Without him Stuttgart would have never won the league last year. Also Hitzlsperger seems to be really important for them....after he came back from injury they started playing football again.
Oh and....glad to see Bayern being defe ated

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 11 2007, 02:57 PM

I'll never forget that match and Roque Junior. He was like a hero, he played on and tried hardly not to distract our style. And when that penalty shootout started and a sudden death row seemed very possible I'd just prayed that Junior avoids shooting if his turn comes.

Roque Junior wasn't that bad, he and Chamot were quality subs cause they together covered all positions in our defense. Somehow his career went the other way and he ended in Leverkusen, now Duisburg. It has to be cause of his injuries. For some times he really had quality.

Posted by: Tennie Nov 24 2007, 03:46 PM

Today will probably be the only day all season that I'm cheering for Bremen.

The reason? Ivan Klasnic is starting the game. For those who don't know or remember, Klasnic is a Croatian striker who underwent two kidney transplants last year -- his body rejected the first one, but the second transplant was successful. Today is Klasnic's first start for Bremen in a very long time.

Posted by: LaPalma Nov 26 2007, 04:54 PM

No matter what you think of Bremen you gotta give some respect to Klasnic. What he achieved is nothing less than a miracle!
And Bochum won the third game in a row Thanks to Theofanis Gekas' succesor Stanislav Sestak (wonder which Bundesliga club will buy him next summer )
Next Saturday is the big derby against Schalke and we'll kick Gazproms @sses

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Nov 26 2007, 05:45 PM

erm u might need Gattuso for that tie .. We'll have Tennie write a letter to hand him over for the day

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Nov 26 2007, 08:44 PM

Well, Klasnic really is a miracle. He'll most likely also be included into our Croatian NT Euro 2008 squad,...I really do hope he'll make it; everything will end up good with him !

Posted by: LaPalma Nov 26 2007, 10:45 PM

We already have a Rino Gattuso...his name is Tomas Zdebel

Posted by: LaPalma Dec 9 2007, 08:13 PM

Leverkusen won their fifth game in a row today. They've really build up a fantastic young team with small money. IMO they're playing the best football in Germany atm. Schneider and Barbarez might both be old, but their style to play and their abilities are still awesome. I really enjoy seeing them play. Now they're just 5 points behing big Bayern. Most amazing is IMO that Gekas already scored 8 goals...thought he couldn't play at Leverkusens level.
Stuttgart is also regaining their form slowly...and Marica starts showing what he capable of.
But now to the most important game of this week, Despite two goals of Stani Sestak Bochum only drawed against Karlsruhe

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Dec 10 2007, 04:38 AM

^^^

What're you doing to me, you Teuton?? I'm almost turning into a Bochum fan myself....darnnn!

Viva Stuttgart!!!

Posted by: LaPalma Dec 10 2007, 05:49 PM

I like Stuttgart to but Bochum is in my heart. Always beeing competetive even with not much money...they're pretty much like me
Funny story about the Bochum match against Karlsruhe. In a "duell" with a Karlsruhe player Stani Sestak got a cerebral concussion and in the half time he couldn't even remember his goal or the score of the game. He decided to play on and then...he scored.

Posted by: Tennie Dec 10 2007, 07:28 PM

Yikes.

Is Sestak okay????

I'm sorry Bochum drew. (You've already converted me, darn you! The fish doll wants a Bochum jersey now). But...at least Bayern also drew and Bremen lost!

Posted by: LaPalma Dec 10 2007, 08:57 PM

He is without a doubt. After the macth he said "It's good that I kept playing. Now I'm going to the christmas party"

Thx Stani

Posted by: kurtsimonw Dec 10 2007, 09:30 PM

I think I shall become a Bochum fan also, for LaPalma!

Posted by: aLbErTo Dec 10 2007, 11:05 PM

Ilicevic is a great prospect at Bochum...while i'm wery wery hapy for Petric, he has 8 goals so for this season for too average Dortmund...

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Dec 11 2007, 04:34 AM

Right....

Now everybody's on his side. Sell Milan, buy Bochum!

Posted by: Tennie Dec 11 2007, 04:01 PM

Oops.

Bayern will travel to face Hertha BSC Berlin in the Bundesliga this coming Saturday without captain Oliver Kahn. Announcing the 38-year-old’s suspension via a news release on Tuesday lunchtime, coach Ottmar Hitzfeld cited “disciplinary reasons“ for the internal penalty. The head coach has also ordered the goalkeeper to pay a €25,000 ($36,700) club fine. http://www.fcbayern.t-home.de/en/news/news/2007/14472.php?fcb_sid=f4624f7f4fbf33d6cd1d9f2e45644cf9

There's speculation that the disciplinary reason have to do with Kahn's recent statements targeting Franck Ribery and Luca Toni: 'Bayern isn't Marseilles or Fiorentina, but a squad on the level of Milan, Real, Barca, or Manchester United'. Kahn made those statements after Bayern's recent (unexpected) draw.

http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/?action=read&id=83059

Posted by: LaPalma Dec 11 2007, 04:29 PM

Hehe...Oli Kahn will always be Oli Kahn...even at the of 38 he can't control his emotions On the other hand I do agree with him that Toni and Ribery still have a lot of work to do.

@Jack
Yap....now everyone is on Bochums side

Posted by: Tennie Dec 14 2007, 10:26 PM

Wow. Friday is clearly the day to watch the Bundesliga. Last week, Dortmund thrashed Bielefeld. Today, Cottbus beat Hannover 5-1. Great game with some beautiful goals.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Dec 15 2007, 09:00 AM

Cottbus? Energie Cottbus??!!! I thought those guys were like the I dunno...Wigan Athletic of the Bundesliga.

Posted by: Tennie Dec 15 2007, 03:53 PM

They are, Jack. Hence the shock result. Cottbus played Hannover off the pitch. They hadn't scored more than 2 goals per game all season until this.

Posted by: Tennie Dec 15 2007, 05:20 PM

Goal explosion game in the Bundesliga.

Bremen 5 - 2 Leverkusen.

2 goals and an assist for Ivan Klasnic. Pretty darn good for a guy who went through 2 kidney transplants.

Posted by: aLbErTo Dec 15 2007, 06:06 PM

KILLER KLASNIC

Posted by: misha Dec 15 2007, 06:07 PM

I saw the Hertha - Bayern match. Though it ended 0:0, but was a pretty good game.

Posted by: LaPalma Dec 15 2007, 09:59 PM

That's the best thing about the Bundesliga....it's more unpredictable than the other big leagues.
Congrats to Klasnic...what a comeback!

Tommorow Bochum needs to win in Rostock...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Dec 16 2007, 05:50 PM

He is really amazing. Just like Werder, they have to be praised. Schaaf made an excellent team. Even without Klose...they have to make one more step and try to do better in the CL...

Posted by: Portikins Dec 29 2007, 09:39 PM

Usually I don't follow the DFL. But I was looking at Bayern nowadays...

-One of the 3-4 best squads in the world
-German core
-League domination (like it or not)
-CL presence, always
-New stadium
-Many german young guns are there
-Have $$$
-Have a legend as chairman and a good coach

Hum... I think this club is an example is almost every way.

2 questions for the german crew in MF:

1) So what's gonna be their coach next season? Otmar is not staying right?
2) Why is their kit 'different' this season?!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Dec 29 2007, 10:15 PM

1) Ottmar is not even a good coach, he's brilliant. Like Schaaf, he has a "prussian" hard-training and working system but with lots of ingenious moves and much rotation. Unlike Carlo, Ottmar usually makes changes in the first 11 for every match. Now,...Hitzfeld still could stay, it's a pretty good option (also depends on Jogi's success on the Euro). If not, there are plenty of rumours - like Marco Van Basten, Bixi Lizarazu, etc. We'll be wiser after this season's end.

2) Bayern usually has unique CL kit's. It's like that every season; remember the grey/silver ones they had in that Barcelona final years ago. This year they don't play the CL so they have only home and away kits. But they are pretty regular, red and white, horizontal stripes,...


Everything you said about FCB is true. Journalist's try to create a "crisis situation" at FCB every now and then, but Bayern allways overcomes that.

Also, beside Beckenbauer, Bayern has Uli Hoeneß and Kalle Rummenigge, two legends and very reliable guys...

Posted by: Portikins Dec 29 2007, 10:32 PM

Nop. They have a 'different' European kit as usual:



The question was for the home kit, horizontal stripes...

Posted by: kurtsimonw Dec 29 2007, 10:47 PM

That looks just like a bloody Lyon kit!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Dec 29 2007, 10:47 PM

Ooops,..then they did it for the UEFA cup, and this proves that I usually skip such matches,..

As for the home kits, they allways change their kits without any particular meaning,..remember the old ones:


Or this one:


Or:

Posted by: LaPalma Dec 30 2007, 08:18 PM

Of course Bayern are a force in Europe, they've always been. It's the only german team that can really compete with the big teams in England, Spain and Italy. Most important they can compete financially. Uli Hoeneß, Bayerns manager, is a d!ckhead on hand but a very succesfull and smart businessman on the other hand.
They're current squad is the best the have since they won the CL in 2001. Toni and Klose form a terrific partnership upfront and they're midfield with Zé, Ribery and Schweini is pretty good too. I'm really egaer to see how their new defender Breno, a 19 yo brazilian will do. They say great things about him.
Bayern will most probably win the Bundesliga another time and have an even better squad next year. News are saying they want to get Danielle de Rossi.

About the coach situation...I think Ottmar will leave most probably. He has consistent problems with Hoeneß and Rummenigge. His succesor? I dunno, every prominent coach could join them following the daily gossip. Benitez, van Basten or even José (he said that he's already learning some german )

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 3 2008, 01:17 AM

Now it's official. Bayern needs a new coach. Ottmar Hitzfeld announced that he won't renew his expiring contract.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jan 3 2008, 02:36 AM

Hoeneß said that in a very subtle way,..

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 3 2008, 02:45 AM

Yes...but Hitzfeld confirmed it today. He claims that he told it to Uli Hoeneß 3 weeks ago. Bayern

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jan 3 2008, 02:54 AM

MvB, Mourniho, anyone else mentioned as Bayern coach for next season?
I'd like to see them with Klinsi, but that's not realistic. What about Oli Kahn? That would be quite funny to watch,..

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 3 2008, 02:58 AM

Klinsmann was also mentioned but him and Bayern...I think they can't stand each other. Rafa Benitez was also mentioned and the in the in Germany very popular Jürgen Klopp. Right now he's coach Mainz 05 in the 2nd Bundesliga but he's ome kind of a popstar over here

Posted by: Tennie Jan 3 2008, 03:01 AM

(Lothar for coach!)

Seriously, Bayern is one of those clubs that isn't easy to coach. The expectations are awfully high and, well, there's a lot of pressure. Maybe that Portuguese guy might be interested if in fact he's not going to Italy.

Posted by: Portikins Jan 3 2008, 04:39 AM

I believe Mourinho won't stop for 2 years so I think next Summer he'll be in charge of an European giant.

I meant:

Man Utd - Sir Alex Ferguson will continue...
Liverpool - I doubt he'll go to Anfield 1 year after leaving Stamford Bridge
Chelsea - Bla bla...
Arsenal - Wenger's job for life.

Real Madrid - Good season until now. If Schuster wins the league title, he'll continue.
Barcelona - Bad season, lot of stars, but the people of Catalonia hate him.
Valencia - No, no and no. Koeman is there to kill the club. No Champions League next season... no Mourinho.

Milan - Changes are needed but Ancelotti just won the CWC. Galliani said the next coach (if we change) would be someone with Milan-past.
Juventus - Ranieri is OK.
Inter - More titles coming, another Serie A... bla bla bla, I highly doubt Mancini leaves.

Bayern - A club that can be good for Mourinho. He likes team-work, a team of "fighters", no cunting about, etc.
I dunno if he'd like the german league or if Bayern wants a german coach...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

These are the only clubs that I believe can sign Mourinho.
Make your bets.

Posted by: misha Jan 3 2008, 05:43 AM

As long as it not Milan, I don't really care. Though, Juve might be an option if they can promise him a big sum for transfers. I don't think Juve will hesitate to boot Ranieri for him.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jan 3 2008, 03:05 PM

I know Jürgen Klopp. I did celebrate when Mainz got relegated and I really can't stand him. So a big NO for me here.


I agree,..makes sense!

Posted by: Portikins Jan 3 2008, 04:29 PM

Posted by: Portikins Jan 4 2008, 02:52 PM

Posted by: Portikins Jan 4 2008, 10:59 PM

Great pic.

Posted by: arivanjj Jan 5 2008, 01:00 AM

^^ HAHAHAH

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 6 2008, 02:32 PM

"Der Spiegel" had a nice pro and con list concerning the canditates that could replace "General" Hitzfeld as Bayern Coach.


Marco Van Basten:

Pros: Speaks german and is a modern coach. Qualified for both the WC and the Euro with the dutch NT.
Cons: Never coached a big club like Bayern. Mark van Bommel retired from international football because of him. He's dutch.


Louis van Gaal:

Pros: Is a proven coach (Barca and Ajax), speaks german and is known as well tactician. Formed Alkmaar into a title contender.
Cons: He's past his best times. His last job at Barca was a disaster that ended after 6 months. As technical director for Ajax he sold Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Juve. He's dutch.


Frank Rijkaard:

Pros: Speaks german and did a good job as Barca coach. Is just like the bosses at Bayern a friend of offensive football. Will most probably leave Barca in the summer.

Cons: Would be a very expensive coach. He's very stubborn and benched superstar Ronaldinho. Spitted at Rudi Völler in 1990. He's a dutch.


José Mourinho:

Pros: Thinks that he's the best and might even be right. Controlled Chelseas Star-Ensemble for years and won the CL with Porto. There are no billionaires at Bayern board.

Cons: Doesn't speak german. Plans to coach the portuguese NT someday might already achieve that after the Euro. is not a fan of german players (Michael Ballack). Is financially spoiled.


Armin Veh:

Pros: Veh is german and very respected in the Bundesliga after he won the title with Stuttgart in 2007. Would be able to do the job plays offensive football and wouldn't be very expensive.

Cons: Only won one title with Stuttgart and is very stubborn. Just renewed his contract.


Lothar Matthäus:

Pros: Speaks fränkisch. Some say he's a good coach. Is a friend of Franz Beckenbauer. There are many shopping streets in Munich.

Cons: Some say he's a bad coach. Manager uli Hoeneß planned with him as Greenkeeper for the green at the Allianz Arena.


Marcelo Lippi:

Pros: Led Italy to their WC-triumph in 2006 and is a brillant tactician. Always stays calm (since he won the WC) and would be fresh enough for Bayern after a break of one and a half years.

Cons: Ruined the german "Sommermärchen" during the stoppage time in 2006. His defensive playing style wouldn't please the Bayern fans.

Posted by: Tennie Jan 6 2008, 02:52 PM

^^ Interesting analysis, La Palma.

Somehow I get the feeling that Der Spiegel doesn't consider being dutch a positive.

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 6 2008, 03:00 PM

Well...the dutch and the german have a nice rivalry when it comes to football. People here think the dutch play beautiful football....but not succesfull football. And I'm afraid the dutch still haven't forgiven forgiven us for beating their dream-team in 1974

Posted by: Portikins Jan 6 2008, 03:46 PM

Mourinho will only coach the NT in 7-10 years. Not now.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jan 6 2008, 04:17 PM

Why?

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jan 6 2008, 04:57 PM

Because Porty said so

Posted by: Portikins Jan 6 2008, 05:05 PM

Because he said it dozen of times?

NT is for "oldies", not for a 44 yo coach. He'll go to Italy, Germany, Spain, England... bla bla on the next decade before going to the Portuguese NT.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jan 6 2008, 05:19 PM

Yep, true,...

Considering all the candidates from the Spiegel list, Mourinho is in his best years. But I'd like to see some German or Dutch coach to take over. Why would Rijkaard's spitting be any problem for Bayern? Rudi has nothing to do with them...

Mätthaus as coach is a real big dissapointment. I've watched Partizan Belgrade and Hungray under his regime and was very dissapointed. Why not Effe, Kahn or Sammer, if a German is considered. But honestly, I think they'll gonna go after a international.

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 6 2008, 05:29 PM

I think they were just beeing a bit sarcastic when they mentioned Rijkaards Lama past. Matthäus will never be considered at Bayern as long as Uli Hoeneß can breath IMO.
Effe and Kahn can't be options IMO as both have no experience.
The only german coaches I could imagine are Schuster (though many in Germany see a spanish coach in him and I really doubt he'll be succesfull in the Bundesliga), Veh and Thomas Schaaf.
But IMO Rafa Benitez will be their new coach although José said he would like to coach Bayern ("Bayern? Why not...).

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 11 2008, 12:02 PM

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 11 2008, 12:03 PM

Wow...I'm more than surprised...I'm shocked

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jan 11 2008, 12:39 PM

... Never expected it ! But, Gluck to him

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jan 11 2008, 12:49 PM

I must have forgotten, but why exactly is Klinsi a surprise appointment?

It says he was already an FCB player once. And he's a German icon right? As a player and coach?

LaPalma? R7?

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 11 2008, 01:02 PM

He was an FCB player once but he was never an icon for the club like Lothar Matthäus, Stefan Effenberg, Oli Kahn etc.
Klinsmann is a very stubborn person and never really had a good relationship to Uli Hoeneß. One time when Trappatoni subbed him for someone else a photographer made this nice pic:

IMO this pic is Klinsi and Bayern. Hoeneß was also very angry at Klinsmann in front of the last WC because Klinsmann still used to live in California etc. And then he benched Bayern legend Oli Kahn for the, at Bayern Munich, not so popular Jens Lehmann.

And besides all this Klinsi never coached a club.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jan 11 2008, 01:07 PM

@LaPalma, u forgot Experience

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 11 2008, 01:22 PM

Thought I mentioned that when I said he never coached a club
But yeah...he's not experienced enough...I'm pretty sure this won't work.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jan 11 2008, 01:28 PM

But he has earned a lot of good will with what he did in the WC right? I mean it's not like his benching Kahn didn't work out. They beat Argentina!

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 11 2008, 01:33 PM

I didn't say he did a bad job. In fact he built up a great squad out of nothing letting everyone forget how disastrous the EURO 2004 was and he has earned my respect for his stubbornness (especially during his discussions with Bayern bosses Hoeneß and Rummenigge about his methods, Kahn etc.).
Besides that I'm pretty sure that Jogi Löw, our current NT, was one of the main reasons behind our success in the WC.
And like I said....Jürgen and Bayern...it never worked well.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jan 11 2008, 01:37 PM

To be honest, I wanted Klinsi to go to Newcastle, would have been interesting.

But this will be good as well. One more upstart against the great Carlo.

The only variable in the equation, that unnerves me is Mourinho...where is he going???

Posted by: Tennie Jan 11 2008, 02:03 PM

Wow, Klinsmann. This one really does surprise me, mostly because he just has never really gotten on well with Uli. Then again, Uli is set to retire at the end of next season.

Maybe Klinsi will last til the end of next season, maybe not. Be interesting to see how Bayern now acts in the transfer market. Current Bayern rumors include Van Buyten leaving (maybe for Celtic) and lots of speculation about the disappointing Podolski going too, possibly to Stuttgart (there's been sniping between the two clubs about him).

Posted by: Portikins Jan 11 2008, 03:39 PM

I said it more than once last year.

Next summer: Mourinho » Milan, Ancelotti » NT

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jan 11 2008, 06:00 PM

What Porty says does make a whole lot of sense..

Anyways, good luck to Klinsmann!

Posted by: dst Jan 11 2008, 06:17 PM

I don't know about this. I don't think Donadoni will lose his job in 2008 though Carletto might will...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jan 11 2008, 06:19 PM

I really hope it will go the other way round.

As for Klinsi...I'd mentioned him weeks ago,..am I the only one who's not surprised? IMO Bayern made a great deal!

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 11 2008, 07:37 PM

Yes you are
Comment from Klinsis Mom when she was asked weather she know about the deal "No....I didn't knew. Oh sh!t...."

Posted by: misha Jan 11 2008, 07:39 PM

Maybe, if you not taking to consideration that we were told it will be somebody with Milan past. Plus, who said Donadoni going to fail with Italy in the summer?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jan 11 2008, 07:43 PM

Is this the same board that said Pato will score 30 goals this season?

I take everything they say with a pinch of salt.

Posted by: misha Jan 11 2008, 08:13 PM

Even if you don't trust them, why firing Donadoni before knowing the results of EC? And who knows, Carlo might stay if he can manage to turn this season around like last year..

Anyway, I'm sure that Milan won't hire Mourinho. At least not in the near future.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jan 11 2008, 08:40 PM

I'm not saying it will happen, but it makes sense for something like this.

Italy don't win Euro2008.
Donadoni is fired as Italy manager after the tournement.
Ancelotti is hired as Italy manager in July.
Mourinho is hired as Milan manager in July.

It isn't that realistic, but I don't think it will happen this summer anyways.

Posted by: dst Jan 11 2008, 09:04 PM

If it has to be one from Milan's past then I'd definitely take Donadoni! He's miles ahead of Rijkaard and van Basten!

But my dream remains Prandelli.

I don't know if Mourinho would come or not. Right now, I can't really tell. The thing is we need signings. We need three big signings! And Mourinho would only come if he was sure these signings would be made...

Whoever comes it won't make a difference if we don't buy this summer.

Posted by: Portikins Jan 11 2008, 10:40 PM

Before?!


See as a Villain understands...


Miles ahead? He won like 3 World Cups and 4 Champions Leagues, uh?
The proven one from those 3 is Rijkaard and I don't like him - as a coach.

From Italy, Prandelli would be my choice too. But his past is not related with Milan... he played for 6 years but in Juventus.
Maybe after Ranieri they'll hire him.

Posted by: dst Jan 11 2008, 11:02 PM

Not in trophies. I believe he is much better a coach than Rijkaard who I don't rate.


No I meant in general. The non-Milan related coach I'd like to see in Milan is Prandelli.

I think Mourinho is more likely to end up at Giuve than Milan.

Posted by: misha Jan 12 2008, 12:24 AM

Yes. I meant that people (like you) already think that Donadoni won't continue with the Italy NT even before he coached them in the EC.

Posted by: dst Jan 12 2008, 12:35 AM

I don't see Donadoni leaving even after the Euro. Unless Italy get thrashed in all 3 of their groups stage games that is.

Posted by: Portikins Jan 12 2008, 01:26 AM

Big possibility (getting the 3rd place in group stage).

Posted by: bigmacmtl Jan 12 2008, 06:56 AM

imo donadoni must make the semis our he's out, italy have big expectations considering they are world champs.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jan 12 2008, 09:46 AM

Since Capello decided to take over England, Ancelotti will be Italy's top candidate for the next NT caoch.

I doubt that Donadoni can survive the Euro - IMO he's shown how inadequate he is for Italy in this period.


As for our next coach, I think we'll really find someone with prior Milan experiences. But I hope not Donadoni. We are not open to experiments, and I don't like small-club coaches like Donadoni is. It would have been a Zaccheroni II.

I cannot see what Donadoni achieved to become NT coach, or our own? All he's done so far is one good or very good season with Livorno. No European experience, no trophies,...

Then we have Rijkaard, whom I don't trust, but hey, how could I say he's not better then Donadoni? He won everything with Barca, wasn't bad with Holland either,...

Posted by: dst Jan 12 2008, 12:02 PM

Italy finished first in their group... above France (and a much more experienced Domenech). I don't think anyone would have managed to do that any easier but that is just me. I think Donadoni did a wonderful job while also testing many unproven (in NT level) players who he might need in the Euro.


Small club coaches?? Then I guess Lippi is a coach of amateur teams too and Ancelotti is a Serie B coach... everyone has to start from somewhere you know, you can't go to the top just like that...

And I don't think managing Italy is any easier than managing Milan. Not that it's the same but as a task it is equally demanding and requires balls...


What had Ancelotti won before becoming our coach? Capello? And what about Sacchi, he was a shoe salesman... if anything, our history is not against uncrowned coaches.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jan 12 2008, 06:54 PM

Ancelotti was at Juve no? And Capello was our youth coach. I always thought he was a stop gap who turned out to be a revelation. Sacchi was managing Parma I think.

But for it's worth, I think Donadoni is a good coach. You reckon there might be a trade between Donadoni and Carletto?

Like Italy don't reach the semis, and Donadoni 'resigns' rather than quits, and Carlo takes over and we get Donadoni?

Posted by: Tennie Jan 12 2008, 06:57 PM

^^^ The scenario suggested above by the good Captain has been discussed several times in the Italian press. My impression is that the pundits think it the most likely solution (for whatever that may be worth).

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 13 2008, 11:19 PM

Bayern just officially signed Tim Borowski from Werder Bremen on free transfer for the next season. Rumours are signing it was Klinsis wish to sign him.
Anyway...it's a great add to Bayerns squad and it further weakens their main opponent Werder Bremen...good old Bayern transfer strategy

P.S. This was really unexpected. Bayern are always good for a surprise these days.

Posted by: Portikins Jan 13 2008, 11:29 PM

Anyway, no surprise Bayern get the best german players.

Posted by: dst Jan 13 2008, 11:44 PM

He's a very good player I used to like. Until this day.

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 13 2008, 11:46 PM

Wow...I really start to like you

P.S You also start to get how german, non-Bayern fans, think

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jan 14 2008, 03:09 AM

Unfortunately there's not much German coverage over here, which is a shame as it's a very good league!

As for this transfer: I haven't seen him too much, but I really do like Borowski as a player. I remember him at the World Cup in Germany having a great first game, then he was dropped when Ballack came back, which was a shame.

He's still fairly young isn't he? Mid-20s maybe?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jan 14 2008, 10:34 PM

Borowski is about 27, 28 I think,..

The Borowski before his injury and the one now is something like Emerson now and back then with Juve/Roma. But he could come back.


Why? I'm not a big Bayern supporter, I chear for BvB but they are out of the title race and will be out for a long time,..

Anyway, I do support Bayern, cause it is the only German team with a respectable history and with the chance to achieve something in the CL. No other team has a chance.

I'm a bit dissapointed in Werder. They sure did win the league title (which Schalke or Bayer Leverkusen, the 2 strongest Bayernjäger, never did!), but in the CL they are without any chance.

After Sammer's Borussia and Toppmöller's Bayer which Bundesliga team beside the Bayern team did do something notable in the CL or UEFA cup?

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jan 15 2008, 03:42 AM

What u talkin about !!


There are pubs everywhere (in london) that show European football ! .. Especially Italian, German and Spanish !!

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 15 2008, 04:40 PM

Well....these teams could only achieve such victories cause they spent way too much money. Leverkusen can be glad to have Bayer. Otherwise they'd play in the 2nd Bundesliga now. Dortmund is a club with a, to be polite, stupid management. They'd have to potential to among the best 3 teams in Germany...but they just keep buying sh!tty players.
And what means "respectable" history? Success? IMO there are many clubs in Germany with a more than respectable history despite the facts that there are few teams that were able to achieve european success.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jan 15 2008, 05:01 PM

Possibly, but I live hours away from London.

Posted by: arivanjj Jan 19 2008, 12:27 PM

Lell Slapped With €100,000 Police Fine!

Christian Lell will have an unwanted present waiting for him when he returns home from Bayern's training camp in Marbella: a court fine of at least €100,000.

The defender was involved in a heated argument with his then girlfriend by his car following a night out in a Munich club in February of last year.

As police arrived at the scene Lell is alleged to have kicked them and called them something beginning with 'W'. He was also found to have alcohol in his system above the legal driving limit.

Courts in the city have now decided to fine the 23-year-old for his actions. "It's a punishment for resistance against police officials and offensive language," commented state prosecutor Anton Winkler to Bild. Charges of bodily harm have been dropped.

Asked about the fine from Bayern's camp in Spain, Lell only commented that he hadn't heard anything about it, but Bild claims the punishment consists of 80 days' wages. The newspaper therefore estimates that the player's net earnings are around €1250 per day, just short of €9000 a week.


Channel4

Posted by: Locke Lamora Jan 19 2008, 04:59 PM

Anyone noticed Jan Koller has gone to Nurnberg?

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 19 2008, 11:34 PM

Me

Posted by: Locke Lamora Jan 20 2008, 12:28 AM

Hope he does well there.
Always liked the guy.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jan 21 2008, 05:21 AM

Another excellent article from soccernet. These guys own goal.com when it comes to quality.

This one is by Hesse-Lichtenberger

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=500104&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1&cc=4716

Posted by: LaPalma Jan 31 2008, 07:53 PM

On the last day of the fransfer window Werder Bremen bought 19-yo german U21 international Mesut Özil for around 5 million euro (a lot of money for Werder) from Schalke. He was thrown out of the Schalke squad for disciplinary reasons.
Good player, bad character...as always. But usually players reach anotehr level after joining Bremen. they even made a good striker out of Boubacar Sanogo.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jan 31 2008, 08:04 PM

^ So Rakitic lost his competition in Schalke?! Hmh,...

Posted by: Tennie Feb 2 2008, 12:17 AM

The Bundesliga has resumed play after the winter break.

The result of the Friday game was Hansa Rostock 1 - 2 Bayern. Bayern were terrible in the second half and in a surprise to nobody, Mark van Bommel picked up a yellow. (goals were by Ribery and Toni)

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 2 2008, 12:38 AM

A very good move from Bayern in the first goal. Quite lucky with the 2nd as Toni's went in via a deflection. Rostock did themself no shame, I've not seen too much of the Bundesliga this season, but they didn't look like a team about to be relegated to me.

Posted by: Portikins Feb 2 2008, 05:04 PM

Ze Roberto is class.

Where's Schweinsteiger? Injuried? Did Sosa or Altintop bench him?

Posted by: Tennie Feb 2 2008, 05:08 PM

Schweinsteiger was serving a yellow card suspension. (and probably also having his hair dyed yet again).

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 2 2008, 05:49 PM

I guess even an in form Schweinsteiger would be benched these days. He's been terrible lately

Todays results:

Energie Cottbus - Bayer Leverkusen 2:3 (1:0)
The "german Arsenal", as I like too call Bayern, was very lucky to win today. Cottbus scored too goals from an offside position and Bayer got a "not very clear" penalty.

Karlsruher SC - 1. FC Nürnberg 2:0 (0:0)
The biggest surprise of this season, Karlsuhe in their first Bundesliga season since 2000 or so, go on to impress me. Nürnberg keeps on underachieving.

MSV Duisburg - Borussia Dortmund 3:3 (2:0)
Dortmund s@ckes in the first half but came back from beeing down to 2 goals twice. They equalized almost with the final whistle.


Hamburger SV - Hannover 96 1:1 (0:1)
Hamburg is out of the title race for now. Hannover might still make it to the UEFA-Cup.

Hertha BSC - Eintracht Frankfurt 0:3 (0:1)
Hertha....what a joke of a team. They spent some millions again and all their expensive players turn out to be shite Frankfurt was really good. Their new winger Martin Fenin (20yo Czech) scored all three goals...on his debut

Arminia Bielefeld - VfL Wolfsburg 0:1 (0:1)
Not a spectacular win by Felix Magaths side...as always.

Posted by: dst Feb 2 2008, 06:04 PM

WTF!! Bravo!!

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 3 2008, 12:50 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCLih5Fxov4 in Germany

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 3 2008, 01:04 PM

Klinsi will fix this for sure. He'll know how to handle Poldi, Schwein, Lahm&Co.

Btw. there is much talk about the new spanish assistant who will work with Klinsi. I'm very interested how this will work,...

Posted by: dst Feb 3 2008, 01:18 PM

I saw that the other day in a Diego compilation... magnificent goal!!

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 3 2008, 06:53 PM

YUPIIIIYAYEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bochum just won for the very first time at the Weserstadion in Bremen. Shinji Ono is the f cking matchwinner,...came on in the 70th minute when Bremen was leading 1-0...two assists by the japanese. Now we're seven points clear of the relegation zone!!!!!

oh, and Schalke won 4-1 against Stuttgart (amazing game by Rakitic as far as I hear)

Posted by: dst Feb 3 2008, 07:39 PM

Yes! Bochum!! And the ninja did it...

Posted by: Tennie Feb 3 2008, 08:44 PM

Forza Bochum! Great result for them! Congrats!

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 10 2008, 05:09 PM

Bayern-Bremen 0-1, Diego (who else?)

F ck yeah!

Posted by: Tennie Feb 10 2008, 05:10 PM

Couple of big games just started in Germany today.

Bayern 0 - 1 Bremen. Diego goal in the 6th.

Dortmund 0 - 0 Schalke (big local rivalry between these two)

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 10 2008, 05:32 PM

Wiese saves a penalty by Toni. Sink those Bayern b@stards!

Posted by: Portikins Feb 10 2008, 05:49 PM

Zey Roubeytouh. 1-1 at the HT

Posted by: Tennie Feb 10 2008, 05:52 PM

HT Dortmund 1 - 2 Schalke.

The Bayern - Bremen game is rather scrappy. Lots of little fouls. No yellows from Van Bommel...yet.

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 10 2008, 06:02 PM

His class can't be denied as well as the fact that Bayern deserved the equalizer.

Everyones playing for Schalkes so far. With the current results they'd only be 5 points away from the top.

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 10 2008, 06:22 PM

Now he has his card
Great defending by Mertesacker btw.

Posted by: Tennie Feb 10 2008, 06:59 PM

FT Bayern 1 - 1 Bremen
Dortmund 2 - 3 Schalke

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 10 2008, 08:54 PM

What exactly happened to Dortmund for them to collapse like this? I remember when they used to be a decent side, winning the league and stuff!

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 10 2008, 09:48 PM

They missed the Cl quali once or twice and then had a huge financial scandal in 2003. All their stars like Rosicky, Koller etc. had to be sold. Now they're just a mediocre team with huge debts, while Schalke did a good job recently and managed to build up a really good team under manager Andreas Müller and Coach Mirko Slomka (both were in the legendary "Eurofighter" team that defeated Inter in the Uefa Cup final 1997).

Posted by: Portikins Feb 10 2008, 09:52 PM

All I know about Schalke is that they've a huge deal with Gazprom. 25M/euros per year or so. Unbelievable. Much better than the Milan-bwin thing.

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 10 2008, 10:18 PM

Yap....secured their financial stability....and the get even more millions for titles. They've built up a pretty strong team in the last years. Their clash with Porto in the CL is a nice matchup...a test for them to see how good they really are.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 10 2008, 10:20 PM

Thanks, I did not know this. Shame.

Posted by: Portikins Feb 10 2008, 10:33 PM

Quaresma will murder'em.

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 10 2008, 10:37 PM

We'll see. Schalkes defense is surely the best part of their team. Their attack is very very bad though (they rarely score....in years!). If Kuranyi will be out for one leg or our form Schalke won't have chance.
So, in short...yes I think Porto's the slight favorite for this game.



Not so much

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Feb 11 2008, 01:15 AM

Oh, but that wont happen like,..ever,..

Posted by: Tennie Feb 22 2008, 11:15 PM

Yay for La Palma!

In today's Bundesliga game, the final score is Bochum 2 - 1 Hanover.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Feb 23 2008, 12:47 AM

Congrats Bochum!

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Feb 23 2008, 04:03 AM

^^


Wow...

@Silvio: Sell Milan, buy Bochum.

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 23 2008, 02:05 PM

Hey, hey....seems that Bochum will enjoy another season in the Bundesliga (Thanks to Stani Sestak who has been amazing for the enire season).

Posted by: Tennie Feb 23 2008, 04:23 PM

I must be the only one currently online to be watching the Bundesliga this morning but the game's been interesting so far. It's halftime in the game between Frankfurt - Bremen. The game has turned into something of a slugfest (ala Netherlands-Portugal 2006). Diego was given a straight red in the 40th for bodychecking Frankfurt's Kyrgiakos. There've been 4 yellows (two for each team) in addition to Diego's red and a whole bunch of other not-very-nice fouls.

In other games of note in the Bundesliga, it's scoreless between Schalke and Leverkusen (poor Adler's hurt!). Stuttgart lead Karlsruhe 2-0 in what I think is a local derby (need to check a map for that). Bayern and Hamburg play in the Sunday game.

Posted by: Tennie Feb 23 2008, 05:23 PM

Well, the Frankfurt-Bremen game continued to be generally ill-tempered, but Frankfurt got the win courtesy of a goal from Amanatidis (dst, lots of Greek players on the Frankfurt team) and some very good goalkeeping.

Stuttgart beat Karlsruhe 3-1, with goals from Gomez, Hilbert, and Cacau.

And Leverkusen beat Schalke 1-0, with a goal from Friedrich. There was a red in injury time for Schalke's Jermaine Jones for a nasty foul on Kiessling.

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 23 2008, 05:46 PM

Neuer is really out of form. Schalke was defending very poor but Friedrichs cross/shot was one Neuer had to have. But I'm happy with Leverkusen winning.

Amanatidis showed a nice performance again, great finishing against Wiese.

Stuttgart won over surprise team Karlsruhe and they're back in the race for the UEFA Cup spots. Gomez scored his 11th goal in his 16th match. That guy is a striker a striker a striker.

Posted by: Portikins Feb 24 2008, 02:28 AM

Bayern-Hamburg today. 16:00 UK.

I hope Klose, Toni, Altintop and co give them a lesson.
Ribery will be back, though Hitzfeld said he doesn't know if he'll play.

Posted by: LaPalma Feb 24 2008, 03:05 PM

Hamburg used to be Bayerns most feared opponent in 1 on 1. Bayern couldn't win against them in the last 2 years and Hamburg won the last two games in the Allianz Arena. If Bayern wins, they'd almost be through for the Meisterschaft. As I can't stand Bayern I'll cheer for Hamburg.

Oh and, Mario Gomez wants to become the new Zlatan as it seems. After Stuttgarts match against Karlsruhe he insulted KSC defender Maik Franz (with whom he had some hefty duels) "This unfair @sshole is being covered by the refs."

Posted by: Tennie Feb 24 2008, 05:07 PM

No VDV for Hamburg, but no Ribery for Bayern. Game's just started and it's pretty even so far.

(Ack. Lell has bleached his hair. What is it with young German players bleaching their hair? [/girlie comment])

Posted by: Tennie Feb 24 2008, 06:22 PM

Bayern 0 - 1 Hamburg. Goal Olic in the 60th.

Ribery on for Bayern right after the goal.

EDIT: And Bayern equalize in the 65th. Ze Roberto goal.

Posted by: Tennie Feb 24 2008, 06:52 PM

FT Bayern 1-1 Hamburg.

Van Bommel sent off in added time for a bad foul immediately followed by a rude gesture to the ref.

Posted by: LaPalma Mar 4 2008, 12:52 PM

After the fantastic 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen Bochum is already 12 points away from the relegation zone. Even without Stanislav Sestak we were able to win against one of the "Pillendreher" from Leverkusen. Thx to great goals by our captain Thomas Zdebel and the mighty goalscorer Christoph "Dabro" Dabrowski.



So the goal for this season is to collect 45 points (says coach Marcel Koller). I say: Uefa Cup...here we come again ! (Hope we won't face Milan there )

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 4 2008, 01:08 PM

Nice going Bochum! It seems you're clear of relegation. How many points are you off the UEFA Cup positions?

You have DWS Investments as your sponsor? We had that for the past 2 years and everybody made fun of us, because it looks like it says 'Cows'.

Posted by: LaPalma Mar 4 2008, 01:37 PM

That pic is from the last season. Our new sponsor is even worse

Kik....a shop for very cheap and bad clothes... Their figurehead is this speaking shirt



And it's still 7 points to the 5th spot, but maybe we can make it to the Intertoto Cup (would be nice in terms of playing in Europe again but then I don't think our team would manage to be good in the Bundesliga with those extra games).

Posted by: kurtsimonw Mar 4 2008, 03:43 PM

Oh dear, that sponsor really is ugly.

Hopefully you can make it into the InterToto!

Posted by: Portikins Mar 4 2008, 06:43 PM

Posted by: Tennie Mar 9 2008, 04:46 AM

In today's Bundeliga games,

Frankfurt 1-1 Bochum
Bayern 2 - 0 Karlsruhe (goals by Toni & Ribery)
Stuttgart 6 - 3 Bremen (hat trick Gomez, 2 from Cacau)

Posted by: LaPalma Mar 9 2008, 01:03 PM

Gomez is even better than last season. He gives Stuttgart that special extra boost that makes them one of the best teams in the Bundesliga. 17 games, 14 goals....that's a nice ratio.

Also I'm happy with the point we got in Frankfurt. They're a very good team and it's hard to win there, even Bremen failed to get a point against Funkels team. Azouaghs freekick was class

Posted by: Tennie Mar 14 2008, 08:26 PM

Oh dear.

There are some naughty bunnies in Munich.

Bayern has suspended Martin Di Michelis indefinitely for his refusal to play a game against Cottbus (who are, I believe, in last place in the league) in midfield instead of his more usual position in defense.

Posted by: KillerMax Mar 14 2008, 09:38 PM

Suspended indefinitely? Does that mean terminated?

Edit: Never mind, just visited their website. It's not as serious as it looked, but I'm betting he will be offloaded at the end of the season. Germans don't screw around with discipline.

Posted by: Tennie Mar 15 2008, 04:22 PM

Couple of interesting scorelines at halftime in today's Bundesliga games:

Cottbus 2 - 0 Bayern
Bochum 1 - 0 Stuttgart

Posted by: Portikins Mar 15 2008, 05:25 PM

Bayern lost to Cottbus.

Posted by: Tennie Mar 16 2008, 08:54 PM

Today's Bundesliga results:

Wolfsburg 1 - 0 Bremen
Leverkusen 4 - 1 Nuremburg

Kiessling and Gekas were among the Leverkusen goalscorers. Leverkusen are now 3rd in the league.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Mar 16 2008, 09:03 PM

Poor Werder. Seems they are loosing ground. But I'm positive they'll regain a CL-spot soon. They deserve it.

On the other hand, Bayern got lucky. Their blackout against Cottbus ended up with no serious damage.

Posted by: LaPalma Mar 17 2008, 12:07 PM

Seems that Bayern, like most seasons, has no real contender. But their next match against Bayer Leverkusen might be a real interesting one. Not that Leverkusen might challenge them for the Meisterschaft (after all it's still Bayer leverkusen we're talking about) but they're in top form these days and if Bayern suffers another loss or draw in the Bundesliga things might become really nasty for "General" Hitzfeld and his widely critizised player rotation.

Posted by: LaPalma Mar 17 2008, 12:27 PM

Fanis is slowly regaining his form from the last season. He scored in 4 consecutive matches now and already scored 11 goals in the league. Also he and "Schuh" Kießling are forming a nice partnership upfront.
I have to admit I really like their style to play with these brillant midfielders such as Schneider, Barbarez or Barnetta.

Posted by: Tennie Mar 17 2008, 12:34 PM

I like watching Leverkusen too (and not just because I like Adler). They're an entertaining team. It'll be interesting to see how they do this season; they're hitting form at a very good time for them.

Posted by: Tennie Mar 29 2008, 04:01 PM

I bet La Palma is in a good mood right now.

In today's game, the score is Bochum 2 - 0 Dortmund. In the 10th minute.

EDIT: Maybe not quite so good a mood by halftime though. HT: Bochum 3 - 2 Dortmund.

Also at the half: Nurnburg 1 - 0 Bayern

Posted by: Tennie Mar 29 2008, 05:26 PM

Very strange results this week in the Bundesliga.

Bochum 3 - 3 Dortmund
Nurnburg 1- 1 Bayern
Bremen 1 - 2 Duisberg
Hamburg 1 - 1 Bielefeld
Karlsruhe 0 - 0 Schalke
Leverkusen 0 - 2 Frankfurt

The best a top-5 side did was a draw. None of them actually won.

Posted by: Tennie Apr 6 2008, 04:09 PM

Forza Bochum!

Bayern 0 - 1 Bochum (8th min)

Lovely goal in the 4th minute by Azouagh.

EDIT: Van Bommel red card in the 27th.

And Bah. Bayern equalize in the 31st. Goal Lucio, header off of a set piece.

Bah again. Bochum handball in the area. Ribery converts the penalty. 2-1 for Bayern in the 74th.

Make that 3-1 for Bayern. Goal Lell in the 88th.

Bochum played well for most of the game. They just couldn't hold on.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Apr 8 2008, 09:46 AM

Bayern are the sure champs,...it's only a question who will end up 3nd and 3rd - Schalke, Werder or HSV. I'd like Schalke and Werder cause they have Euro-experience so they actually could do a break-through, at least in the first phase..

Posted by: LaPalma Apr 9 2008, 10:57 AM

Amen to that. No one can stop Bayern now. IMO Schalke and Stuttgart will make the other two CL spots. Schalke because they somehow manage to win even when they play the worst football of the Bundesliga and Stuttgart because they're on top form and have Mario Gomez.

Posted by: Tennie Apr 12 2008, 06:22 PM

Interesting result today.

Werder Bremen 5 - 1 Schalke, including 2 in the second half from Ivan Klasnic. Bremen just blew 'em away.

(For La Palma: Bochum 1 - 1 Berlin.)

Posted by: Tennie Apr 13 2008, 02:00 PM

Schalke have sacked head coach Mirko Slomka.

Apparently it was going to happen anyway at the end of the season but yesterday's result -- a hammering at the hands of Bremen -- sped it up.

Posted by: Tennie Apr 13 2008, 04:13 PM

Willy Sagnol is finally back playing for Bayern, even though it looks like he's playing in midfield.

In any event, Bayern are thrashing Dortmund. It's 2-0 in the 8th minute with goals from Podolski (who got the start over Klose) and Ze Roberto.

EDIT: 12 minutes later and it's 4-0, courtesy of 2 goals from Luca Toni.

Posted by: Portikins Apr 13 2008, 04:25 PM

Bayern 4-0 by the 23rd min.

Posted by: dst Apr 13 2008, 04:31 PM

Anyone knows how many goals Toni has scored this season?

Posted by: Tennie Apr 13 2008, 04:43 PM

I think it's now at 30 or 31 if you count league + cup + UEFA Cup games for Bayern.

Posted by: dst Apr 13 2008, 04:45 PM

Oh yeah we definitely didn't need any of that.

Posted by: misha Apr 13 2008, 04:49 PM

We are fine as we are

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Apr 13 2008, 05:19 PM

Good news for Schalke. Slomka was incompetent and never would have made anything more then finishing 3rd. He had his chance last season, were his team had to win and he blew it. Now they need a modern coach with a fresh apprach.

Posted by: Portikins Apr 13 2008, 05:44 PM

"A posto così."

Posted by: LaPalma Apr 13 2008, 09:38 PM

Slomka beeing fired is a bad decision by Schalke IMO. They're just too stupid. And that's what friends of mine who are hardcore Schalke fans also say.
Schalke wasn't playing good football recetnly...sure. But with that team no coach would have been able to play more impressive football. Since Lincoln left in front of the season Schalke has no one who's able to control a game, no one with creativity. Of course they play horrible football!
The fact that they're still on third place and made it to the quarterfinals of the CL is the best argument for Slomka. But now Schalke will end up in chaos again...as always.

Toni scored his 18th league goal so far. Hope the Bayern- Dortmund clash won't be as boring as it was today when they play each other in the DFB Cup final...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Apr 13 2008, 09:56 PM

True. But try look at it the other way. Slomka had a perfect chance of wining the title last season and blew it. He stayed indeed some critics. This season he's struggling with even finishing 3rd. Schalke have to make their goals clear. If they wanna be a real "Bayernverfolger" they have to appoint a new coach. Slomka just isn't up to the job.

Creativity? Hmh,..the had Özil, they have Rakitic. I don't think their problem is creativity. Look at the Barca match. They've created many good chances. The real problem is their attack, they're simply wasting chances after chances. And of course this guy named Mladen Krstajic who's been one of the worst defenders in Germany. Don't get why he's even around that team.

Posted by: LaPalma Apr 14 2008, 05:27 PM

The attack is another huge problem for Schalke of course but the creativity in midfield is one too. Özil had to be sold since he's an arrogant child who doesn't know how to behave (Plus, he's beeing controlled by his manager). And Rakitics form isn't as fine as it was in the first half of the season while Streit has the same problem.
And Schalke can't expect to make 3rd place with this team, as teams like Stuttgart and Leverkusen seem to have a squad which might even be slightly better than Schalkes.

Another news from the Bundesliga is that Hamburg apparently wants to sign Gerrard Houilier as new coach. WOuld be an interesting choice...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Apr 14 2008, 07:39 PM

Very interesting. He was one of the contenders for the Bayern throne often mentioned..

If HSV really select him it could get interesting. The Bundesliga lacks of good coaches anyway,..

Posted by: LaPalma Apr 15 2008, 08:27 AM

Hmmm...I think the situation was much worse a few years ago as there's some coaches I really like. Hitzfeld of course (no need to mention his class), Huub Stevens is good too (although his football isn't the most beautiful) and of course Bremens Thomas Schaaf and Wolfsburgs Felix Magath. May be I'm a bit biased but our coach in Bochum, Marcel Koller, is a well tactician as well. He really knows what he's doing unlike some other coaches in the Bundesliga like Dortmund Thomas Doll (complete joke) or Bielefelds Michael Frontzeck.
Can't wait to see Klinsi as Bayerns head coach next season though. I'm so curious whether he'll do a job as good close to that what he has done for our NT (but I have serious doubts here).

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Apr 15 2008, 01:28 PM

Hmmm...

Well, Hitzfeld belongs to it's own league. He's out of this world, IMO one of the top 5 coaches for the last 20 years.

Then there is Klinsi, young and modern, could also become very good. I do rate Schaaf highly and also Armin Veh. Skibbe, Magath, Koller are nothing special, but are also young and have potential. Huub Stevens is also good, but he's leaving soon to PSV.

Still, besides Hitzfeld, there's no one like Lattek, Zebec or Ribbeck..

Posted by: Tennie Apr 15 2008, 09:04 PM

There were some midweek games in the Bundesliga today.

Forza Bochum!

They left it til the 88th minute, but Sestak scored the winning goal (away) v. Wolfsburg!

Bremen defeated Hansa Rostock 2-1 with goals from Torsten Frings (he's baaaack, which is good for the German NT) and Ivan Klasnic (whose good form is welcome news to the Croatian NT).

And poor Schalke...NOT. Kevin Kuranyi sure doesn't miss Mirko Slomka. He scored FOUR goals today in Schalke's utter destruction of Energie Cottbus. (final was 5-0).

Posted by: LaPalma Apr 15 2008, 09:06 PM

What a fantastic win! We won 1-0 in Wolfsburg after (another) crappy game...but who cares? We're once and for all clear of the relegation zone and can start planning for another year of Bundesliga football. Thx Stani Sestak, thx Marcel Koller.

Other results:

Schalke - Cottbus 5-0 (Kuranyi started scoring again...3 goals....scary...)

Rostock - Bremen 1-2 (beatiful goal by Torti Frings.....He's packing his bags for the Euro)

Berlin - Hamburg 0-0 (two boring teams...one boring result)

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Apr 15 2008, 10:07 PM

What a season for Luca Toni !!!! The top scorer in the Bundeslega. Also his brace against Getafe.



What's the word in Germany on him LaPalma !? So do the Germans finally approve Italian imports

Posted by: LaPalma Apr 16 2008, 06:57 PM

The word is that he's best striker in league along with GOmez. But that's really obvious. IMO he's the best striker Bayern had in a long time...maybe since Jürgen Klinsmann in the mid 90ies.
With players like him, a rejunivated Zé and of course Franck Ribéry Bayern can finally be a real CL contender again
Media rumours are also linking them to Arsenals Flamini who would certainly be a great choice for their midfield.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Apr 16 2008, 08:55 PM

FT Arminia Bielefeld 1 - 0 Bayer Leverkusen
FT Borussia Dortmund 1 - 3 Hannover
FT Duisburg 0 - 1 Karlsruhe
FT Stuttgart 3 - 0 Nurnberg
FT Eintracht Frankfurt 1 - 3 Bayern Munich - Bayern were 1 down at the half. An equaliser from van Buyten and a brace from Toni gives Bayern the win.