Bundesliga 2014-2015/Preview
txt by FFT UK
What’s new?
For the first time in 45 years, we are going into a Bundesliga season without Uli Hoeness as a player, business manager or club president. The man who all but built the modern Bayern Munich reported to prison on June 2 to begin a 42-month sentence for tax evasion. It will be very strange indeed for German fans to not see Hoeness in the stands, read about him in the papers or listen to his sharp tongue on TV.
For the first time in 45 years, we are going into a Bundesliga season without Uli Hoeness as a player, business manager or club president. The man who all but built the modern Bayern Munich reported to prison on June 2 to begin a 42-month sentence for tax evasion. It will be very strange indeed for German fans to not see Hoeness in the stands, read about him in the papers or listen to his sharp tongue on TV.
Star signings
After a one-year wait, Bayern finally got their man, with Polish striker Robert Lewandowski moving from Dortmund to Munich on a free transfer. The fact that Borussia made him sit out his contract never dampened his enthusiasm, as Lewandowski won the money, provided there’s no return of last year’s uncanny injury streak. Schalke are a season or two away from being real contenders but make for nice dark horses.
After a one-year wait, Bayern finally got their man, with Polish striker Robert Lewandowski moving from Dortmund to Munich on a free transfer. The fact that Borussia made him sit out his contract never dampened his enthusiasm, as Lewandowski won the money, provided there’s no return of last year’s uncanny injury streak. Schalke are a season or two away from being real contenders but make for nice dark horses.
European contenders
As always, Bayer Leverkusen have made some good moves in the transfer market. A couple of seasons ago, the entire attack stood and fell with Stefan Kiessling, but now Son Heung-Min (who joined last summer) and talented Swiss striker Josip Drmic, signed from relegated Nurnberg, pose formidable threats, too. The squad is not quite deep enough to challenge Bayern or Dortmund, but the Champions League is a realistic aim. Leverkusen’s main rivals are Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach, two clubs that have also mastered the art of building a team smartly and patiently. Ever since Klaus Allofs became Golden Boot in his final season with them. Nothing better illustrates how important he was for the club. Dortmund spent almost €30m on two players to replace Lewandowski, signing Hertha’s Colombian striker Adrian Ramos and Torino’s Ciro Immobile, last season’s top scorer in Serie A.
As always, Bayer Leverkusen have made some good moves in the transfer market. A couple of seasons ago, the entire attack stood and fell with Stefan Kiessling, but now Son Heung-Min (who joined last summer) and talented Swiss striker Josip Drmic, signed from relegated Nurnberg, pose formidable threats, too. The squad is not quite deep enough to challenge Bayern or Dortmund, but the Champions League is a realistic aim. Leverkusen’s main rivals are Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach, two clubs that have also mastered the art of building a team smartly and patiently. Ever since Klaus Allofs became Golden Boot in his final season with them. Nothing better illustrates how important he was for the club. Dortmund spent almost €30m on two players to replace Lewandowski, signing Hertha’s Colombian striker Adrian Ramos and Torino’s Ciro Immobile, last season’s top scorer in Serie A.
The race for the title
The Bundesliga once prided itself on being the most competitive of the big leagues in Europe, with five different champions between 2004 and 2011. The last two campaigns, though, have been dominated by Bayern to such a degree that a real race was conspicuous by its absence. It should be different this year, because Dortmund have invested wisely and will give Bayern a run for their money, provided there’s no return of last year’s uncanny injury streak. Schalke are a season or two away from being real contenders but make for nice dark horses.
The Bundesliga once prided itself on being the most competitive of the big leagues in Europe, with five different champions between 2004 and 2011. The last two campaigns, though, have been dominated by Bayern to such a degree that a real race was conspicuous by its absence. It should be different this year, because Dortmund have invested wisely and will give Bayern a run for their money, provided there’s no return of last year’s uncanny injury streak. Schalke are a season or two away from being real contenders but make for nice dark horses.
European contenders
As always, Bayer Leverkusen have made some good moves in the transfer market. A couple of seasons ago, the entire attack stood and fell with Stefan Kiessling, but now Son Heung-Min (who joined last summer) and talented Swiss striker Josip Drmic, signed from relegated Nurnberg, pose formidable threats, too. The squad is not quite deep enough to challenge Bayern or Dortmund, but the Champions League is a realistic aim. Leverkusen’s main rivals are Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach, two clubs that have also mastered the art of building a team smartly and patiently. Ever since Klaus Allofs became Wolfsburg’s director of football in late 2012, the club not only have a lot of money through their close ties with the Volkswagen company but also spend it wisely. Wolfsburg will surely challenge Bayern and Dortmund one day soon, but for the time being Europe, preferably the Champions League, is their only realistic target.
As always, Bayer Leverkusen have made some good moves in the transfer market. A couple of seasons ago, the entire attack stood and fell with Stefan Kiessling, but now Son Heung-Min (who joined last summer) and talented Swiss striker Josip Drmic, signed from relegated Nurnberg, pose formidable threats, too. The squad is not quite deep enough to challenge Bayern or Dortmund, but the Champions League is a realistic aim. Leverkusen’s main rivals are Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach, two clubs that have also mastered the art of building a team smartly and patiently. Ever since Klaus Allofs became Wolfsburg’s director of football in late 2012, the club not only have a lot of money through their close ties with the Volkswagen company but also spend it wisely. Wolfsburg will surely challenge Bayern and Dortmund one day soon, but for the time being Europe, preferably the Champions League, is their only realistic target.
Mid-table nowhere men
Mediocrity was never more enjoyable than in Hoffenheim last year. The team was the very definition of a mid-table side, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t entertaining: there were 4.1 goals per game when Hoffenheim were involved, because they were terrific upfront and nonchalant at the back. There are no signs
that they’ll change their approach, because coach Markus Gisdol simply loves this kind of football. “I’m not a gambler, but I’m prepared to take calculated risks,” he says. It won’t be enough to get into Europe, but Hoffenheim should stay clear of the relegation zone, just like Werder Bremen, Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt, all of whom face a consolidation year.
Mediocrity was never more enjoyable than in Hoffenheim last year. The team was the very definition of a mid-table side, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t entertaining: there were 4.1 goals per game when Hoffenheim were involved, because they were terrific upfront and nonchalant at the back. There are no signs
that they’ll change their approach, because coach Markus Gisdol simply loves this kind of football. “I’m not a gambler, but I’m prepared to take calculated risks,” he says. It won’t be enough to get into Europe, but Hoffenheim should stay clear of the relegation zone, just like Werder Bremen, Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt, all of whom face a consolidation year.
Battling at the bottom
The Europa League curse dragged Frankfurt into the relegation fight last season and haunted Freiburg until they finally dropped out of Europe. It was further proof that many Bundesliga clubs just don’t have deep enough squads to cope with the strain of all those midweek games. This doesn’t bode well for Mainz, who have also lost their iconic coach Thomas Tuchel (citing mental fatigue). Mainz could be joined in the relegation fight by the two teams everybody always expects to finally stop overachieving though they never actually do so: Freiburg and Augsburg. The drop zone shortlist is completed by Hertha Berlin (who did so well last year but have now lost their two best strikers), Hannover, Hamburg and newly-promoted-and-as-good-as-hopeless Paderborn. Cologne, who were promoted together with Paderborn, have the potential to spring a surprise and reach safety earlier than expected, as they are carried by enthusiasm and guided by a fine coach, Peter Stoger.
The Europa League curse dragged Frankfurt into the relegation fight last season and haunted Freiburg until they finally dropped out of Europe. It was further proof that many Bundesliga clubs just don’t have deep enough squads to cope with the strain of all those midweek games. This doesn’t bode well for Mainz, who have also lost their iconic coach Thomas Tuchel (citing mental fatigue). Mainz could be joined in the relegation fight by the two teams everybody always expects to finally stop overachieving though they never actually do so: Freiburg and Augsburg. The drop zone shortlist is completed by Hertha Berlin (who did so well last year but have now lost their two best strikers), Hannover, Hamburg and newly-promoted-and-as-good-as-hopeless Paderborn. Cologne, who were promoted together with Paderborn, have the potential to spring a surprise and reach safety earlier than expected, as they are carried by enthusiasm and guided by a fine coach, Peter Stoger.
The next big thing
During the last few years, Dortmund were the face of Germany’s celebrated youth movement. But things have changed. Just like Bayern, Dortmund are now in such an exalted position that youngsters find it hard to break into the team. The situation is very different at Ruhr rivals Schalke. In March, against Hertha, the club fielded a team that included five players younger than 21 and no fewer than seven who had come through Schalke’s youth system. The most talented member of that baby-faced brigade is 18-year-old Max Meyer, who almost made Gemany’s World Cup squad. The most intently-watched young player, however, is the centre of a different kind of attention. The 20-year-old German-born Turk Hakan Calhanoglu was a revelation in a dismal Hamburg team last season and did what the veterans should have: led the team through a nerve-racking relegation fight. He became a folk hero in Hamburg – then demanded a move. The club refused to let him go, which resulted in a delicate situation for all involved. He’s now playing for Bayer Leverkusen.
During the last few years, Dortmund were the face of Germany’s celebrated youth movement. But things have changed. Just like Bayern, Dortmund are now in such an exalted position that youngsters find it hard to break into the team. The situation is very different at Ruhr rivals Schalke. In March, against Hertha, the club fielded a team that included five players younger than 21 and no fewer than seven who had come through Schalke’s youth system. The most talented member of that baby-faced brigade is 18-year-old Max Meyer, who almost made Gemany’s World Cup squad. The most intently-watched young player, however, is the centre of a different kind of attention. The 20-year-old German-born Turk Hakan Calhanoglu was a revelation in a dismal Hamburg team last season and did what the veterans should have: led the team through a nerve-racking relegation fight. He became a folk hero in Hamburg – then demanded a move. The club refused to let him go, which resulted in a delicate situation for all involved. He’s now playing for Bayer Leverkusen.
The gaffers
There are plenty of new faces, from the Dane Kasper Hjulmand who replaced Tuchel at Mainz to former Salzburg coach Roger Schmidt, now at Bayer Leverkusen. But the most interesting is Austrian Peter Stoger, who won promotion with Cologne and always gives the impression that he takes neither himself nor the game too seriously. “A coach wields more influence and has more weight in the lower leagues,” he says. “In the sphere of the European top clubs, what counts is the quality of the players.”
There are plenty of new faces, from the Dane Kasper Hjulmand who replaced Tuchel at Mainz to former Salzburg coach Roger Schmidt, now at Bayer Leverkusen. But the most interesting is Austrian Peter Stoger, who won promotion with Cologne and always gives the impression that he takes neither himself nor the game too seriously. “A coach wields more influence and has more weight in the lower leagues,” he says. “In the sphere of the European top clubs, what counts is the quality of the players.”
They said what?!
Matthias Sammer, Bayern sporting director: “Maybe we’re superior in quality and mentality. Maybe the message to the other clubs is: Do they train every day as if there’s no tomorrow?” Jurgen Klopp, Dortmund manager: “I don’t think Bayern Munich would have collected a single point less if Sammer wasn’t there.”
Matthias Sammer, Bayern sporting director: “Maybe we’re superior in quality and mentality. Maybe the message to the other clubs is: Do they train every day as if there’s no tomorrow?” Jurgen Klopp, Dortmund manager: “I don’t think Bayern Munich would have collected a single point less if Sammer wasn’t there.”
Presidents and owners
In May, Hamburg’s members voted to turn the club’s professional football division into a limited company, because they felt the old model – the club used to be run by an 11-man supervisory board – was unwieldy
and outdated. The new man in charge is widely unknown businessman Karl Gernandt. He’s a close confidant of Klaus-Michael Kuhne, the billionaire who has lent the club a lot of money over the years (Rafael van der Vaart was bought thanks to a loan from Kuhne). It will be interesting to see if the new model means Kuhne is making the decisions now.
In May, Hamburg’s members voted to turn the club’s professional football division into a limited company, because they felt the old model – the club used to be run by an 11-man supervisory board – was unwieldy
and outdated. The new man in charge is widely unknown businessman Karl Gernandt. He’s a close confidant of Klaus-Michael Kuhne, the billionaire who has lent the club a lot of money over the years (Rafael van der Vaart was bought thanks to a loan from Kuhne). It will be interesting to see if the new model means Kuhne is making the decisions now.
The WAGs
Ulrike Kriegler, the long-time girlfriend of new Cologne coach Stoger, is an actress, singer and comedienne (she also used to work as a stuntwoman). Stoger hopes that she will either appear on the German version of Strictly Come Dancing or be given a role in a crime series on TV. “But not as a corpse,” she says. “I’ve already been that on Austrian TV a few times.” Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, meanwhile, may have a word of warning with her about media exposure. His own girlfriend, model Cathy Fischer, was regarded as intelligent and charming by most – until she started a video blog for the country’s biggest tabloid during the World Cup. It was an own goal. Fischer’s naivety and lack of general knowledge turned her into a social network star of the unintended variety. Even Michael Ballack’s ex-wife lampooned her.
Ulrike Kriegler, the long-time girlfriend of new Cologne coach Stoger, is an actress, singer and comedienne (she also used to work as a stuntwoman). Stoger hopes that she will either appear on the German version of Strictly Come Dancing or be given a role in a crime series on TV. “But not as a corpse,” she says. “I’ve already been that on Austrian TV a few times.” Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, meanwhile, may have a word of warning with her about media exposure. His own girlfriend, model Cathy Fischer, was regarded as intelligent and charming by most – until she started a video blog for the country’s biggest tabloid during the World Cup. It was an own goal. Fischer’s naivety and lack of general knowledge turned her into a social network star of the unintended variety. Even Michael Ballack’s ex-wife lampooned her.
Bad boys
Wolfsburg’s Brazil midfielder Luiz Gustavo was given his marching orders three times last term. His overall record in the league now stands at seven sending-offs, just one shy of the record held by Jens Nowotny (who made more than double the league appearances that Gustavo has managed so far). A bad reputation of a different sort follows Dortmund’s Kevin Grosskreutz since the off-season: in mid-May he was reported to the police for having thrown a doner kebab at a young man from Cologne. The man said he suffered injuries when the kebab hit him; Grosskreutz says he threw the kebab at the ground, not at the man. Neither version sounded too plausible, so Kebabgate petered out. Only 10 days later, after the cup final, a drunken Grosskreutz urinated against a pillar in a hotel lobby in Berlin and also had an argument with a guest that got so out of hand the police were called.
Wolfsburg’s Brazil midfielder Luiz Gustavo was given his marching orders three times last term. His overall record in the league now stands at seven sending-offs, just one shy of the record held by Jens Nowotny (who made more than double the league appearances that Gustavo has managed so far). A bad reputation of a different sort follows Dortmund’s Kevin Grosskreutz since the off-season: in mid-May he was reported to the police for having thrown a doner kebab at a young man from Cologne. The man said he suffered injuries when the kebab hit him; Grosskreutz says he threw the kebab at the ground, not at the man. Neither version sounded too plausible, so Kebabgate petered out. Only 10 days later, after the cup final, a drunken Grosskreutz urinated against a pillar in a hotel lobby in Berlin and also had an argument with a guest that got so out of hand the police were called.
Rivalries
Cologne’s promotion means that one of the most heated and famous derbies is back in the Bundesliga. Only 30 miles separate the grounds in Cologne and Monchengladbach. The game is not the original Rhineland derby (that’s the encounter between Cologne and neighbours Fortuna Dusseldorf), but since the 1960s and the emergence of the great Gladbach team that would dominate German football in the 1970s, it has become the biggest derby in the region.
Cologne’s promotion means that one of the most heated and famous derbies is back in the Bundesliga. Only 30 miles separate the grounds in Cologne and Monchengladbach. The game is not the original Rhineland derby (that’s the encounter between Cologne and neighbours Fortuna Dusseldorf), but since the 1960s and the emergence of the great Gladbach team that would dominate German football in the 1970s, it has become the biggest derby in the region.
Look out for…
…Paderborn. The small club’s promotion, without backing from a big company or a wealthy patron, is the biggest sensation since Unterhaching somehow reached the Bundesliga in 1999. Needless to say, Paderborn’s task is a massive one. But they also said that about Unterhaching, who stunningly avoided going straight back down.
…Paderborn. The small club’s promotion, without backing from a big company or a wealthy patron, is the biggest sensation since Unterhaching somehow reached the Bundesliga in 1999. Needless to say, Paderborn’s task is a massive one. But they also said that about Unterhaching, who stunningly avoided going straight back down.
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