The Bundesliga Thread

[The_Rev]

I can picture this happening after the the:

German TV interviewer. - So, disappointing result tonight Mario. Any thoughts?

Mario Gomez. - I'm not sure what happened to be honest. It just never seemed to click tonight. That bloody Stevo985 from VT wasnt watching was he?

[Stevo985]

He just bottles it when I'm watching. He's so desperate to impress me that he tries too hard!

[Voinjama]

That's what I mean. He obviously is a very very good striker. I'm not denying that.

But everytime I watch him he looks crap. Admittedly I don't watch Bayern that much, but still.

Maybe I'm a jinx on him.

Exactly you dont watch Bayern very much, that is why you dont see him put in many good performances. bayern are my local team, and so I see a lot of them. He is by quite some distance the best German striker this season. He is likely to be their front man in the euros, and he is strong in nearly every department, especially the air. His link up play up play with Ribery and Schweinsteiger is also impressive. Arguably Bundesliga player of the season, although Ribery and Robben or Huntelaar (Schalke) might run him close. Quality player

[Stevo985]

That's what I mean. He obviously is a very very good striker. I'm not denying that.

But everytime I watch him he looks crap. Admittedly I don't watch Bayern that much, but still.

Maybe I'm a jinx on him.

Exactly you dont watch Bayern very much, that is why you dont see him put in many good performances.

Yeah, that's what I said

[VillaGoMarching]

Thought that was the most compelling game of football iv'e seen all season, ecstatic when Lewan cheekily put Dortmund in front, Think they rode they're luck alittle in 2nd half without ever really being threatened by Bayern (how many saves did Weidenfeller have to make).

Almost felt sorry for Robben in the end, He's played Lewandowski onside, fairly won a pen (but was going nowhere with the ball), then hopelessly misses Pen, gets Subotic in his face, and then misses another guilt edge change at the end.

Dortmund march on, surely can't give up the title now from this position.

Probably most alarming result last night was Schalke, blown the chance to catch Bayern.

[VillaGoMarching]

Thought that was the most compelling game of football iv'e seen all season, ecstatic when Lewan cheekily put Dortmund in front, Think they rode they're luck alittle in 2nd half without ever really being threatened by Bayern (how many saves did Weidenfeller have to make).

Almost felt sorry for Robben in the end, He's played Lewandowski onside, fairly won a pen (but was going nowhere with the ball), then hopelessly misses Pen, gets Subotic in his face, and then misses another guilt edge change at the end.

Dortmund march on, surely can't give up the title now from this position.

Probably most alarming result last night was Schalke, blown the chance to catch Bayern.

Sure i saw a better angle of it on tele.

[chappy]

Standing on the Sudtribune for a Dortmund game is on my bucket list.

I only managed it for a Europa League game so didn't get the full experience and they bring in plastic chairs (nobody sits down but it still reduces the amount of people on there) but yes yes yes I have to recommend it.

[Stevo985]

I thought Robben WAS getting to the ball when he was fouled actually. For once it wasn't one of those where the attacker kicks it out of play as they're getting fouled.

But Robben landed closer to the touchline than the ball was so you'd think he could easily have got there if he stayed up.

Stupid goalkeeping though. Such a needless challenge. He just wanted something to do

[Zatman]

I'm still yet to watch Mario Gomez put in anything close to a good performance. How he's got such an awesome scoring record is beyond me.

Really? you've never seen a good performance from Mario Gomez? didn't he smash like 4 goals past Basel in the CL.

Top striker.

he is not a top striker, in fairness he has a great goalscoring record but for me he plunders most of them against smaller clubs and nations.

He has a 1st touch and control Heskey be proud of

[Gompedyret]

In other news: My fellow Norwegian Ståle Solbakken has just been fired as Cologne manager. He made his name managing FC Copenhagen to great heights including several champions league outings, alas, he didn't get enough time to enforce himself in the German club. Would mind him coming to Villa, actually, that would have been VERY interesting.

[dudevillaisnice]

He doesn't have Premier League experience

[Troglodyte]

I've also never rated Gomez. Scores an absolute shitload of goals, but he just doesn't seem like a very good footballer at all! And he has stupid hair.

The game against Bayern was awesome. Roman Weidenfeller - what a beast.

[GarethRDR]

Pretty much it for the top 4 now, methinks. Bayern won't catch Doofmund, Schalke won't catch Bayern, with a tougher run-in Borussia won't catch Schalke but can pretty much secure 4th with 2 points.

At the other end of the table, whilst not mathematically relegated Kaiserslautern are all but dead in the water, the goat-shaggers are in freefall (), Hertha are stuttering but might just be able to leapfrog Köln and both Augsburg and Hamburg probably have enough points on the board to stumble across the finish line (though their last game of the season is against each other, could be interesting if safety's not guaranteed for either by that point)

In other news: My fellow Norwegian Ståle Solbakken has just been fired as Cologne manager. He made his name managing FC Copenhagen to great heights including several champions league outings, alas, he didn't get enough time to enforce himself in the German club. Would mind him coming to Villa, actually, that would have been VERY interesting.

I'd rather keep McLeish, Solbakken's done a terrible job. :shock:

[BOF]

You're too kind Having won 3 games in 31 this season, we need to win 3 of our last .... 3. Then hope Cologne lose their 3. Cologne probably will lose all 3 actually, but we're as done as done can be A truly truly dismal season where the only crumb of comfort was the emergence of Sippel in goal. But then, if he is that good, he'll probably be cherry-picked this summer by a top flight side. Arsegrapes.

[BOF]

How good have Stuttgart been in the past 3 months!! They're 2nd in the league over the past 11 games.

[table color=#bccde9:40821aebd6]

[row][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6] [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]TEAM [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]P [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]W [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]D [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]L [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]F [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]A [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]Pts [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]GD [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]PPG [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]LP

[row color=#5a84c9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]1 [col]Borussia Dortmund [col]11 [col]9 [col]2 [col]0 [col]24 [col]9 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]29 [col]+15 [col]2.64 [col]1

[row color=#ffff00:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]2 [col]VfB Stuttgart [col]11 [col]8 [col]2 [col]1 [col]33 [col]13 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]26 [col]+20 [col]2.36 [col]5

[row color=#5a84c9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]3 [col]Bayern München [col]11 [col]7 [col]2 [col]2 [col]22 [col]6 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]23 [col]+16 [col]2.09 [col]2

[row color=#5a84c9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]4 [col]Freiburg [col]11 [col]5 [col]4 [col]2 [col]16 [col]12 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]19 [col]+4 [col]1.73 [col]13

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]5 [col]Nürnberg [col]11 [col]5 [col]2 [col]4 [col]14 [col]11 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]17 [col]+3 [col]1.55 [col]11

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]6 [col]Hoffenheim [col]11 [col]4 [col]5 [col]2 [col]16 [col]16 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]17 [col]0 [col]1.55 [col]9

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]7 [col]Borussia Mönchengladbach [col]11 [col]4 [col]4 [col]3 [col]15 [col]10 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]16 [col]+5 [col]1.45 [col]4

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]8 [col]Schalke 04 [col]11 [col]5 [col]1 [col]5 [col]20 [col]16 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]16 [col]+4 [col]1.45 [col]3

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]9 [col]FC Augsburg [col]11 [col]4 [col]4 [col]3 [col]15 [col]15 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]16 [col]0 [col]1.45 [col]15

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]10 [col]Wolfsburg [col]11 [col]5 [col]1 [col]5 [col]18 [col]20 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]16 [col]-2 [col]1.45 [col]10

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]11 [col]FSV Mainz 05 [col]11 [col]4 [col]3 [col]4 [col]19 [col]14 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]15 [col]+5 [col]1.36 [col]12

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]12 [col]Bayer Leverkusen [col]11 [col]4 [col]2 [col]5 [col]18 [col]16 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]14 [col]+2 [col]1.27 [col]6

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]13 [col]Hannover 96 [col]11 [col]4 [col]2 [col]5 [col]17 [col]19 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]14 [col]-2 [col]1.27 [col]7

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]14 [col]SV Hamburg [col]11 [col]3 [col]2 [col]6 [col]9 [col]21 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]11 [col]-12 [col]1 [col]14

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]15 [col]Werder Bremen [col]11 [col]2 [col]4 [col]5 [col]12 [col]16 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]10 [col]-4 [col]0.91 [col]8

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]16 [col]Hertha Berlin [col]11 [col]2 [col]2 [col]7 [col]9 [col]26 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]8 [col]-17 [col]0.73 [col]17

[row color=#bccde9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]17 [col]Köln [col]11 [col]1 [col]2 [col]8 [col]7 [col]26 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]5 [col]-19 [col]0.45 [col]16

[row color=#5a84c9:40821aebd6][mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]18 [col]Kaiserslautern [col]11 [col]0 [col]2 [col]9 [col]4 [col]22 [mcol color=#000000:40821aebd6]2 [col]-18 [col]0.18 [col]18[/table]

[GarethRDR]

I can totally see 'em losing all three. They've got an in-form and free-scoring Stuttgart, followed by a resurgent Freiburg and then Bayern Munich who'll be playing for pride on the last day. It's just so delicious, it must be fattening.

[GarethRDR]

How good have Stuttgart been in the past 3 months!!

Ibišević was a very shrewd move (under €5m I think it was, absolute bargain), and that Japanese kid Sakai looks like a find. They'll be wanting to make that one permanent ASAP.

[VillaGoMarching]

I thought Sakai had agreed a move to Dortmund?

*Edit - Sorry Wrong Sakai, it's Hiroki that's linked with Dortmund

[GarethRDR]

Björn Kopplin will be returning to hometown club 1.FC Union Berlin from VfL Bochum when his contract expires in the summer. Kopplin has been a permanent fixture for Bochum following their relegation to the 2.Liga two seasons ago, but the club are currently languishing in the bottom half of the table having failed to win a game since mid-February.

The former Germany U-20 right back moved from Union's youth team to Bayern Munich in July 2005, but never made it beyond their youth and "II" ( teams before switching to Bochum on a free in 2010. Kopplin has already been ruled out for the remainder of the current campaign following an injury.

[GarethRDR]

Oliver Gut @ Basler Zeitung"]Granit Xhaka ist sich mit Gladbach einig

Granit Xhaka agrees to 'Gladbach move

Ob das Riesentalent aber tatsächlich zu den «Fohlen» von Lucien Favre wechselt, ist noch offen. Denn nun geht es darum, ob sich die Deutschen und der FCB finden.

Whether or not the highly talented player gets his move to Lucien Favre's 'Fohlen' is now down to the German club and FC Basel.

Granit Xhaka redet nicht um den heissen Brei. «Ich habe nichts zu verbergen», sagt der 19-jährige Mittelfeldspieler des FC Basel, wenn es um Borussia Mönchengladbach geht. Seit langem ist klar, dass der Vierte der ersten deutschen Bundesliga am Hochbegabten interessiert ist. Xhaka hat stets betont, dass er im Sommer nach Deutschland wolle. Nun bestätigt er Gerüchte bezüglich einer Einigung zwischen ihm und den Fohlen: «Für mich ist alles geregelt. Jetzt ist es an den Clubs.»

Granit Xhaka does not beat about the bush. "I have nothing to hide," says the 19 year-old midfielder on Borussia Mönchengladbach's interest. It has long been clear that the current Bundesliga top four have all coveted the gifted player, and Xhaka has repeatedly stressed his desire to move to Germany in the summer. Now he has confirmed rumours of an agreement between him and the Fohlen; "For me, everything is settled. Now it's up to the clubs."

Das ist ziemlich eindeutig und heisst ausformuliert: Geschieht nichts Ungewöhnliches, wird Xhaka in der nächsten Saison bei den Borussen spielen – falls diese bereit sind, ihn aus seinem bis 2015 laufenden Vertrag mit dem FC Basel zu kaufen. Der Nebensatz ist von entscheidendem Gewicht: Ein erstes Angebot aus Mönchengladbach hat in Basel noch keine Hektik ausgelöst. Die 6,5 Millionen Euro Ablöse, welche die Deutschen dem Vernehmen nach für Xhaka geboten haben, sind für die Rotblauen keine Basis für Verhandlungen.

It seems set that Xhaka (contracted until 2015) will be playing for Borussia next season, provided they can agree terms with FC Basel. A successful offer would have to be considerable; an initial approach from Mönchengladbach has already been rebuffed. The reported €6.5m tendered by the Germans has been met with a firm rejection by the 'RotBlau', and will have to be upped for negotiations to continue.

Mehr Einnahmen dank Sky

Increased revenue through Sky

Die jeweiligen Vorstellungen der Clubs klaffen also noch auseinander – und so denkbar es ist, dass man sich findet, so sehr ist auch möglich, dass die Borussen nicht bereit sind, tief genug in die Tasche zu greifen. Zwar hat der Verkauf von Marco Reus an Borussia Dortmund ( 2.503 -1.46%) 17,5 Millionen Euro in die Kassen gespült, die reinvestiert werden sollen. Doch liess Gladbach-Sportdirektor Max Eberl auch schon verschiedentlich verlauten, er wolle dafür drei, wenn nicht vier Spieler von Qualität verpflichten, die den Club weiterbringen.

The respective gap in size and quality of the two clubs is considerable, so it is likely an agreement will be reached but it remains to be seen just how deep Borussia are willing to dig into their pockets. Though the sale of Marco Reus to Borussia Dortmund has provided €17.5m for reinvestment in players, 'Gladbach's Sporting Director Max Eberl has repeatedly stated that the club wants to bring in 3 to 4 quality players.

Dem gegenüber steht ein FC Basel, der sehr wohl weiss, über welch finanzielles Portefeuille sein möglicher Verhandlungspartner verfügt. Der Reus-Transfer ist da nur ein Teil davon: Wie jeder andere Bundesligist wird auch Gladbach vom neuen Fernseh-Vertrag mit Sky profitieren, der die TV-Einnahmen der Liga um rund 50 Prozent erhöht. Ausserdem haben die Borussen gute Aussichten, sich für die lukrative Champions League zu qualifizieren.

A stark contrast to FC Basel, with the limitations of their financial portfolio and potential negotiating strength well documented. The Reus transfer also forms only part of a recent windfall; along with each Bundesliga team, 'Gladbach will now benefit from a new contract with Sky which will see TV revenues increased by 50% across the league. In addition, Borussia stand a good chance of qualifying for the lucrative Champion's League.

Xhaka: «Ich wäre enttäuscht»

Xhaka: "I would be disappointed."

Hinzu kommt, dass die Basler nicht dafür bekannt sind, einen Spieler unter Wert ziehen zu lassen: Gegen 12 Millionen Euro musste der FC Bayern München für Xherdan Shaqiri hinblättern. Granit Xhaka ist wie der Flügelspieler Schweizer A-Internationaler, er spielt im wichtigen zentralen Mittelfeld, er ist ein Jahr jünger als Shaqiri und sein Vertrag läuft ein Jahr länger, als jener des Zauberwürfels noch gültig gewesen wäre. All das klingt nach einer Ablösesumme im zweistelligen Millionenbereich – was doch ziemlich viel mehr ist als die erste Gladbacher Offerte.

In addition, FC Basel are not known for selling players on the cheap. Bayern Munich had to fork out €12m for Xherdan Shaqiri. Xhaka is a full Swiss international, plays a key role in central midfield, is a year younger than Shaqiri and his contract runs for a year longer than the winger's did at the time of his transfer. All this would indicate that the magic number is in the tens of €millions - considerably more than 'Gladbach's first offer.

Klar ist: Xhaka will zu Gladbach, er sieht dort beste Perspektiven. Auch, weil die Borussen von Lucien Favre trainiert werden, einem Schweizer, der einen hervorragenden Ruf als Ausbildner geniesst und mit dem das Talent bereits telefoniert hat. Xhaka hofft, dass die Basler Verantwortlichen seinen Wunsch in ihren Überlegungen berücksichtigen. Und er sagt: «Ich wäre schon enttäuscht, wenn es nicht klappen sollte.»

It is clear that Xhaka wants to move to 'Gladbach, where he sees excellent prospects for the future. He would relish an opportunity to be trained by compatriot Lucien Favre, who has an excellent reputation as an instructor and a track record for nurturing promising young talents. Xhaka hopes that this desire for the move will be taken into account by the Basel management in their deliberations, remarking "I would be disappointed if it should not work".

Would be quite a coup if this move was pulled off, Xhaka would certainly be one hell of a replacement for Schalke-bound Neustädter. I think a proven goalscorer has got to be the top priority though, so there’d need to be enough in the coffers for two potential marquee signings. The rest of the work can be left to the quality of the scouting system.